MUNSTER, Ind. (AP): A new state law that took effect this week is being praised by Indiana's physical therapists as a step that helps provide more immediate and direct care for patients.

Governor Mike Pence signed the legislation in April. The measure took effect Monday and allows people to be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist for 24 calendar days without a doctor's referral.

The Times of Munster reports that referrals still are needed for spinal manipulation and sharp debridement, a procedure that eliminates dead tissue.

With Indiana's new law, all 50 states and the District of Columbia now allow patients to be evaluated by a physical therapist without a referral.