87R5386 MAW-F By: Hughes S.B. No. 455 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to treatment of a patient by a physical therapist without a referral. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 453.301(a-2), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (a-2) A physical therapist may treat a patient under Subsection (a) for not more than 15 consecutive business days if the physical therapist: (1) [who] possesses a doctoral degree described by Subsection (a)(3)(A); and (2) either: (A) has completed a residency or fellowship; or (B) is certified by an entity approved by the board [may treat a patient under Subsection (a) for not more than 15 consecutive business days]. SECTION 2. Not later than November 1, 2021, the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners shall adopt rules necessary to implement Section 453.301(a-2), Occupations Code, as amended by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.