Pennsylvania is one of 26 states that allow direct access for physical therapy patients. Treatment with direct access physical therapy in Pennsylvania may be administered with the following provisions:
Licensee may obtain certification from the board of physical therapy that allows him or her to practice physical therapy in Pennsylvania without a physician’s referral.
This certificate shall not authorize a physical therapist in Pennsylvania to (1) treat a patient for any non-neurologic, non-muscular, or non-skeletal condition or (2) treat a patient who has an acute cardiac or acute pulmonary condition.
The PT may treat the aforementioned patients only if he or she has consulted the patient's healthcare provider or has referred the patient to an appropriate healthcare provider.
The certificate holder shall publicly display the certificate.
The PT shall renew the certificate whenever he or she renews his or her therapy license.
A PT with this certification may treat a direct access physical therapy patient in Pennsylvania for 30 days from the date of the first treatment.
The PT may not exceed 30 days of treatment with direct access for physical therapy in Pennsylvania without obtaining a referral from an appropriate healthcare provider.
Direct Access lets you self-refer for physical therapy. No prescription required.
