Kansas brings the direct access total to 44 states as of May As you can see below, state legislatures were pushing direct access as early as the late 1950s. If your state isn't shaded, check with your state board on the status of any direct access legislation. But if your state is shaded, that doesn't mean your legislation isn't due for an update. Note: Information obtained with permission from the American Physical Therapy Association State Government Affairs Web page.