Texas Senate Bill SB157

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB157 will significantly alter the treatment landscape for physical therapy in Texas. It will facilitate more immediate access to services for patients, thus promoting timely medical intervention which can lead to better health outcomes. The bill's implementation is expected to alleviate some administrative burdens on healthcare providers, allowing physical therapists to operate with greater independence when providing care to patients who may benefit from therapy without waiting for a referral, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.

Summary

SB157 allows physical therapists to treat patients for up to 20 consecutive business days without requiring a referral from a healthcare practitioner. This legislation aims to expand the autonomy of physical therapists in Texas, thereby streamlining access to care for patients who may otherwise face delays due to referral requirements. The changes to Section 453.301 of the Occupations Code target the existing constraints on direct patient access to therapy services and respond to ongoing discussions about healthcare reform and accessibility in the state.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise surrounding the potential implications of this change on patient safety and the quality of care. Opponents may express concerns that allowing treatment without a referral could lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment plans, as physical therapists will not have immediate access to a patient's comprehensive medical history. Furthermore, discussions around the adequacy of training and education for physical therapists in managing diverse patient populations may also become focal points in the debate surrounding this legislation.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

• Chapter 453. Physical Therapists
  • Section: New Section