88R11201 MAW-D
By: Stucky H.B. No. 2553
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are repealed: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, 2023.