Direct Access Laws by State (Idaho-Mississippi)

Yesterday, I broke down the what’s what of direct access laws by state, starting in Alabama and ending in Hawaii. Today, I’m continuing our guided tour of direct access law by kicking things off in Idaho and making our way down the list to Mississippi. (Don’t worry about gas money: we’ll do it all from the comfort of our homes or offices.) Just to reiterate, I’m not a legal or compliance expert, and all of the following information has been adapted from this APTA document. So, if you’re ready to up your practice's direct access game, be sure to consult an attorney or PT compliance guru who is familiar with your state’s physical therapy practice act beforehand. With that said, let’s get to it:

Idaho

• Idaho 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.
• While direct access to a physical therapist is not restricted in Idaho, a PT must refer a patient to the appropriate healthcare provider if the therapist feels the patient’s condition is beyond the physical therapy scope of practice.
• PTs are prohibited from radiological, surgical, or medical diagnosis of disease.  

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

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Kansas

Kentucky

• Kentucky 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.
• While Kentucky allows unrestricted direct access to PT services, a physical therapist must refer a patient to an appropriate licensed healthcare provider when the patient’s condition exceeds the physical therapy scope of practice.  
• Additionally, when a patient is referred to a physical therapist for treatment, the PT shall confer with the referring provider.

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

• Maryland 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.

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Well folks, we’ve made it to the halfway point. I’ll be back at it on Monday covering the finer details of direct access law from Missouri to Pennsylvania. Itching to learn more about direct access across the nation? Be sure to check out The PT’s Guide to Direct Access Law in All 50 States. Hasta luego!