Florida direct access: what it means for physical therapy
The short answerUnder Florida Statutes s. 486.021, a PT may implement a plan of treatment the PT develops. If treatment runs past 30 days for a condition not previously assessed by a practitioner of record, that practitioner must review and sign the plan.
By Javier Alvarez · Updated · 1 min read
1 row: State law · Florida. Public policy, not the member's benefits.
Florida direct access
Florida Statutes s. 486.021, practice of physical therapy · Florida
| State law | A Florida physical therapist may implement a plan of treatment developed by the physical therapist for a patient, or provided by a practitioner of record or an APRN. [1] |
|---|---|
| Referral | If physical therapy is needed beyond 30 days for a condition not previously assessed by a practitioner of record, the PT must have a practitioner of record review and sign the plan. [1] |
| Also | The PT must refer the patient to or consult with a practitioner of record if the condition is outside the scope of physical therapy. The statute does not say what a health plan must pay. [1] |
- Florida Statutes s. 486.021, Physical Therapy Practice definitions (Florida Legislature), checked October 30, 2026
What the Florida law says
- State law. A Florida physical therapist may implement a plan of treatment developed by the physical therapist for a patient, or provided by a practitioner of record or an APRN.
- Referral. If physical therapy is needed beyond 30 days for a condition not previously assessed by a practitioner of record, the PT must have a practitioner of record review and sign the plan.
- Also. The PT must refer the patient to or consult with a practitioner of record if the condition is outside the scope of physical therapy. The statute does not say what a health plan must pay.
The law sets a floor for the plans it reaches; the plan's own policy still decides the codes, units and authorization. On the benefits call, ask whether the plan is fully insured in Florida, and if a covered service is denied, name the statute in the appeal.