North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 90. Medicine and Allied Occupations § 90-383. Exemptions

(a) Nothing in this Article shall be construed as limiting the ministry, activities, or services of a minister called, elected, or otherwise authorized by a church, denomination, or faith group to perform the ordinary duties or functions of the clergy.

(b) Nothing in this Article shall be construed as limiting the activities, services, or use of a title to designate a training status of a student, intern, or fellow preparing for the practice of pastoral care and counseling under qualified supervision in an accredited educational institution or service facility, provided that those activities and services constitute a part of the course of study.

(c) Nothing in this Article shall be construed to limit or restrict physicians, optometrists, or psychologists licensed to practice under the laws of North Carolina; or to restrict qualified members of other professional groups who render counseling and other helping services including counselors, social workers, and other similar professions; or to restrict qualified members of any other professional groups in the practice of their respective professions, provided they do not claim to the public by any title or description stating or implying that they are certified fee-based practicing pastoral counselors or certified fee-based pastoral counseling associates, or that they are certified to receive fees for the practice of pastoral counseling.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this Article, if a person exempt from the provisions of this Article becomes certified under this Article, he or she shall be required to comply with the requirements of this Article and rules adopted by the Board.