Which statement describes the ADA's position on unlicensed practice?

• A. The ADA supports unlicensed practice to increase access.
• B. The ADA has no stance on licensing.
• C. The ADA requires Direct Access to be independent of state laws.
• D. The ADA opposes unlicensed practice and emphasizes adherence to state licensing and scope-of-practice laws; Direct Access must comply with those laws.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that patient safety depends on professional licensure and clearly defined scopes of practice. The ADA supports licensure because it establishes minimum qualifications, accountability, and ongoing regulatory oversight. Unlicensed practice bypasses these safeguards, creating inconsistent care and making it harder to address malpractice or substandard care. Direct Access can broaden how patients obtain care, but it does not override state rules. So Direct Access must operate within the state's licensing framework and its scope-of-practice laws. This is why the statement describing the ADA’s position is that unlicensed practice is opposed and practice, including Direct Access, must comply with relevant state laws.