Bill > SB157

This bill modifies Texas law regarding physical therapy treatment without a referral by extending the number of consecutive business days a physical therapist can treat a patient from 10 to 20 days without obtaining a referral from a referring practitioner. After the initial 20-day period, the physical therapist must obtain a referral to continue treating the patient. The bill repeals a previous subsection related to the treatment period and requires the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners to adopt necessary rules to implement these changes by December 1, 2025. The new law will take effect on September 1, 2025, which provides time for the board to develop and implement the new guidelines. This change effectively gives physical therapists more flexibility in providing initial treatment to patients without immediately requiring a referral, potentially improving patient access to timely care.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB157