What is the effect of California’s “opt-out” policy for direct access?

The "opt-out" policy for direct access in California enables specific healthcare providers, such as physicians or other licensed practitioners, to choose not to participate in the direct access provision of the law. This means that while direct access allows patients to seek physical therapy services without a physician referral, certain providers can decide that they prefer to maintain the traditional referral process for their patients.

This policy facilitates a balance between patient autonomy and the preferences of other healthcare providers in the system. It does not eliminate the direct access options for patients; instead, it respects the choices of healthcare professionals who may want to be involved in the referral process for their patients.

Understanding this nuance is important in the context of physical therapy practice, as it affects how practitioners interact with other healthcare providers and the pathways patients take to receive care.