{"data":{"id":"us-va/18vac112-20-81","jurisdiction":"us-va","citation":"18VAC112-20-81","heading":"Requirements for direct access certification","body":"A. An applicant for certification to provide services to patients without a referral as specified in § 54.1-3482.1 of the Code of Virginia shall hold an active, unrestricted license as a physical therapist in Virginia and shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has one of the following qualifications:\n\n1. Completion of a transitional program in physical therapy as recognized by the board; or\n\n2. At least three years of postlicensure, active practice with evidence of 15 contact hours of continuing education in medical screening or differential diagnosis, including passage of a postcourse examination. The required continuing education shall be offered by a provider or sponsor approved by the board as provided in 18VAC112-20-131 and may be face-to-face or online education courses.\n\nB. In addition to the evidence of qualification for certification required in subsection A of this section, an applicant seeking direct access certification shall submit to the board:\n\n1. A completed application as provided by the board;\n\n2. Any additional documentation as may be required by the board to determine eligibility of the applicant; and\n\n3. The application fee as specified in 18VAC112-20-27.","path":["Title 18. Professional And Occupational Licensing","Agency 112. Board of Physical Therapy","Chapter 20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy","Part II. Licensure: General Requirements"],"source_url":"https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency112/chapter20/section81/","current_through":"2026 Regular Session (effective July 1, 2026)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T04:53:02Z","sha256":"8855d75dc2279bf60c3095cbd1ea1b8322bc3fe57adcf5e0ca60dc165305a602","source_id":"us-va-vac","stale":false,"prev":"us-va/18vac112-20-70","next":"us-va/18vac112-20-82"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}