Skip to main content

While all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, provide some form of direct access to physical therapist services, the specific provisions and limitations differ across jurisdictions.

The following map and key outline the level of direct access in each jurisdiction. For a detailed overview of the language (if any) regarding direct access in each state's practice act, please refer to the summary starting on page 2. Please note that the data below is current as of July 2025.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.


You Might Also Like...

News

APTA Flash Action Strategy 2025: 8,500 Falls Prevention Letters Sent to Congress

Oct 6, 2025

Thousands of PT and PTA students participated in APTA’s Flash Action Strategy,  Sept. 17-18, by creating social media posts and videos promoting falls

News

Physical Therapist Workforce Legislation Introduced in the U.S. House

Oct 2, 2025

APTA-championed legislation, which would help bolster the physical therapy workforce, especially in rural and underserved areas, was reintroduced in the

Article

Advancing the Role of PTs in Falls Prevention Together: From Congress to Clinics

Sep 15, 2025

Through advancing evidence-based care, community education about the importance of prevention, and coordinated advocacy around federal legislation, PTs,