Changes to Direct Access – Effective July 1, 2023

During the 2023 General Assembly Session, legislation was passed to amend current 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 become effective July 1, 2023. The full text of these changes can be found here: HB2359/SB1005. Please note that the Board has updated the Direct Access Patient Attestation and Medical Release Form to reflect changes in the statutory language.

Please click here for the Board's Frequently Asked Questions related to Direct Access

---

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the proposed amendments to the Compact Commission rules

The Physical Therapy Compact Commission requests public comment on the proposed amendments to its Rules by June 20, 2023. Please click here for more information.

---

PT COMPACT PRIVILEGES

PT Licensure Compact  information is available on the Board's website. To apply for a PT Compact privilege, please visit the website for the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact at www.ptcompact.org.

Reminder – Renewal of Compact Privileges

Do you hold Compact Privileges to practice in other states?

As a reminder, all compact privileges expire on the same date as your home state license. If Virginia is your home state, then your compact privileges are set to expire on December 31 of even numbered years. To avoid the expiration of your compact privileges, you must renew your home state license before you can renew your compact privilege(s) if you want to continue practicing in those state(s). Once your home state license is renewed, visit the PT Compact website
at ptcompact.org to initiate the renewal process for your compact privilege(s).

---

Telehealth Resources

Board Guidance Document Available

The Board offers the following guidance on telehealth through established Guidance Document 112-21, Guidance on Telehealth, effective January 21, 2021.

---

Scam Alert

The Department of Health Professions (DHP) has been made aware that some licensees have received fraudulent communications from individuals claiming to be from one of our licensing boards, such as the Board of Pharmacy, or another agency, such as the DEA. The communications, often by phone, may threaten arrest or license suspension, demand personal information, or require the payment of fines. Read More.