physical therapists can treat without a referral

The text as introduced · 290 words

89R15491 GP-F

By: Money
H.B. No. 4727

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the authority of a physical therapist to treat a patient

without a referral.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 453.301(a), Occupations Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(a) A physical therapist may treat a patient for an injury

or condition in a manner described by Section 453.005 without a

referral [ if the physical therapist:

[ (1) has been licensed to practice physical therapy

for at least one year;

[ (2) is covered by professional liability insurance in

the minimum amount required by board rule; and

[ (3) either:

[ (A) possesses a doctoral degree in physical

therapy from:

[ (i) a program that is accredited by the

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; or

[ (ii) an institution that is accredited by

an agency or association recognized by the United States secretary

of education; or

[ (B) has completed at least 30 hours of

continuing competence activities in the area of differential

diagnosis ].

SECTION 2. The heading to Section 453.302, Occupations

Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 453.302. PROVISION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE [ TREATING

PATIENT WITHOUT REFERRAL ].

SECTION 3. Section 453.302(b), Occupations Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(b) In an emergency circumstance, including a minor

emergency, a physical therapist may provide emergency medical care

to a person to the best of the therapist's ability [ without a

referral from a referring practitioner ].

SECTION 4. The following provisions of the Occupations Code

are repealed:

(1) Section 453.001(9);

(2) Sections 453.301(a-1), (a-2), and (b); and

(3) Section 453.302(c).

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.