Direct Access Update

During the 2023 General Assembly Session, legislation was passed to amend Va. Code § 54.1-3482 to remove certain timeframes for practitioner referrals for direct access, as well as to clarify the performance of dry needling without referral for qualified practitioners. The legislation includes provisions related to physical therapy services provided without referral or supervision to infants and toddlers with individualized services plans under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1431 et seq.) and to students with disabilities who require physical therapy services pursuant to § 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

These legislative changes became effective July 1, 2023. The full text of these changes can be found here: HB 2359/SB 1005. Please note that the Board has updated the Direct Access Patient Attestation and Medical Release Form to reflect changes in the statutory language. Read More…