How many states have direct access that allow a patient to seek physical therapy evaluation and treatment without a referral?
This month’s blog posts are all about direct access. Fifty states—plus Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands—allow some form of physical therapy without a physician referral.
When did direct access for physical therapy become legal in all 50 states?
On January 1, 2014, a new California law was enacted which allows California consumers direct access to physical therapists (individual physical therapist). Direct Access is your ability to be evaluated and treated by a licensed Physical Therapist without first seeing your physician for a referral.
What state had direct access to physical therapy first?
Nebraska
In 1957, Nebraska became the first state to allow direct access to physical therapy followed by California and Maryland in 1968 and 1979, respectively.
How many states allow patients unrestricted access to physical therapy services?
There are a total of 18 states in the US that allow unrestricted access to physical therapy services. Patient Access with Provision: There are 26 states, DC, & US Virgin Islands that allow access to evaluate and treat with some provisions or restrictions.
Is North Carolina a direct access state for physical therapy?
North Carolina is one of 20 states that allow patients total, unrestricted access to a physical therapist. According to state law, no type of physician referral is required for a physical therapist to evaluate or treat a patient.
Is Washington state a direct access physical therapy?
Washington is one of 26 states that allow direct patient access to PT with some provisions.
Is California a direct access state?
California is one of 28 states that allow direct patient access to PT with some provisions. To practice via direct access, a PT must: Refer the patient to the patient’s physician if the patient presents with signs of a condition that requires treatment beyond the physical therapy scope of practice.
What is a direct access state?
Does California allow direct access for physical therapy?
Which states allow direct access testing?
States permitted to perform DAT: AK, AR, DE, DC, IN, IA, KS, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NC,ND, OH, OK, SD, UT, VT, WA,WV, WI, TX, VA,
Does West Virginia have direct access for physical therapy?
West Virginia is one of 18 states that allow patients total, unrestricted access to a physical therapist. According to state law, no type of physician referral is required for a physical therapist to evaluate or treat a patient.
Does Arizona have direct access physical therapy?
Arizona. Arizona is one of 20 states that allow patients total, unrestricted access to a physical therapist. No type of physician referral is required for a physical therapist to treat a patient.