Texas Senate Bill SB455

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to treatment of a patient by a physical therapist without a referral.

Impact

The impact of SB455 is likely to be felt primarily by patients who may previously have faced delays in accessing physical therapy due to referrals. By removing the referral requirement for the specified duration, the bill facilitates quicker treatment for patients needing physical rehabilitation services. This could also reduce the burden on healthcare providers by allowing physical therapists to operate with more autonomy and potentially decrease overall healthcare costs stemming from advanced physical therapy treatments. Additionally, the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners is mandated to adopt necessary rules for the implementation of this amending act, which establishes a timeline for its execution.

Summary

Senate Bill 455 represents a significant change in the regulation of physical therapy practices within Texas. This legislation allows licensed physical therapists to treat patients without a physician referral for up to 15 consecutive business days, provided the therapists possess a doctoral degree and have completed additional residency or fellowship training, or hold certification from an approved entity. This bill is intended to enhance patient access to care by streamlining the process of receiving physical therapy treatments without the added step of securing a referral from a doctor.

Contention

While many healthcare advocates support the intent of SB455, concerns have been raised regarding its implications, particularly in relation to patient safety and the quality of care. Opponents argue that the lack of an initial referral could lead to improper treatment plans and insufficient patient assessment. Furthermore, there is an underlying worry that this may lead to over-treatment by physical therapists who may not be able to fully address the underlying issues without prior medical evaluation. Stakeholders from various sectors, including traditional medical practitioners and physical therapy associations, have varying opinions on whether this bill adequately balances access and safety.