Indiana Gov Mike Pence signed HB 1034 on April 29th, giving Indiana residents direct access to evaluation and treatment by a physical therapist (PT) without a physician referral.

The law, which will take effect on July 1, allows for evaluation and up to 24 days of treatment without a referral but continues to require a referral for spinal manipulation and sharp debridement.

Prior to passage of the new law, a referral was required for all physical therapist services, both evaluation and treatment. Enactment of HB 1034 means that all 50 states and the District of Columbia now have direct access to evaluation, and 48 states plus DC, including Indiana, have some level of direct access to treatment.

"We are thrilled that Indiana has become the latest state to offer patients the choice of direct access to physical therapist services. Ensuring patient access is a cornerstone of APTA's vision and mission," said APTA President Paul A. Rockar Jr, PT, DPT, MS. "I congratulate our colleagues in the Indiana Chapter for their resilience and dedication in enacting this vital legislation after many years of tough battle. I also want to thank Rep David Frizzell for authoring the bill and Sen Patricia Miller for sponsoring the bill in the Senate."