Missouri Direct Access

Under Missouri law (as of 8/28/23), a physical therapist with a doctorate of physical therapy or 5 years of clinical experience may evaluate and initiate treatment on a patient without a prescription or referral from an approved healthcare provider. Physical therapists shall refer to an approved healthcare provider patients with certain conditions, including those with conditions beyond the scope of practice of physical therapy, as well as any patient who does not demonstrate measurable or functional improvement within ten visits or 30 days, whichever occurs first. A provider will need to be on file to communicate the above and/or to continue treatment beyond 30 days.

An approved healthcare provider is listed as a physician, surgeon, physician’s assistant, advance practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse midwife, chiropractor, or podiatrist.