Direct access to physiotherapists: conditions and framework in 2026
Direct access to physiotherapists in 2026: experimentation, coordinated practice (CPTS), 8 sessions without diagnosis, informing the doctor. The framework and the impact on written records.
Countries covered : France
Direct access changes the relationship between the patient and the physiotherapist: consulting without a prescription, under certain conditions. The framework remains precise and the practitioner's responsibility is reinforced.
This page reviews the conditions, limits, and impact on your written records, with a downloadable reference sheet.
The framework: a regulated trial
Stemming from the RIST law (published on May 20, 2023), direct access to physiotherapists is being rolled out on an experimental basis, over five years, in around twenty departments. It applies to physiotherapists practising within a coordinated framework (CPTS, healthcare facilities).
Start dates and the list of departments vary depending on the source: check the framework applicable to your territory with your URPS and your CPTS.
Conditions and limits
What this changes for practice
Direct access empowers physiotherapists: it is up to them to identify what falls outside their scope of practice and refer to a doctor if necessary. This reinforces the importance of a solid physiotherapy diagnostic assessment (BDK) and rigorous traceability, especially since the BDK remains mandatory and audits are based on documentation.
Direct access reference sheet to download
Conditions, session limits, coordination with the doctor. Access the PDF by entering your email:
The impact on your written records
More autonomy means more written records to secure: BDK, session notes, and if necessary, a letter to the doctor for coordination. Start with a fixed template, standardise your phrasing, and dictate right after the session.
This is what Delta does: you capture your observations through live note-taking or post-session dictation, and the tool generates your structured assessments and notes according to your template, with longitudinal patient memory from one session to the next. HDS certified hosting, GDPR compliant.
Frequently asked questions
Can you consult a physio without a prescription in 2026?
Yes, as part of the direct access trial, for physiotherapists practising in a coordinated structure (CPTS…), in around twenty departments.
How many direct access sessions without a diagnosis?
Up to a maximum of 8 sessions when there has been no prior medical diagnosis.
Does direct access apply to all physiotherapists?
No. In the experimental framework, it is reserved for physiotherapists in coordinated practice within the concerned territories.
Is the BDK still mandatory?
Yes. The physiotherapy diagnostic assessment (BDK) remains mandatory; direct access even reinforces its importance.
Should the attending physician be informed?
Yes: coordination and the transmission of useful information remain the rule.
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