The bill, S.B. No. 157, amends the Occupations Code regarding the treatment of patients by physical therapists without a referral. It allows physical therapists to treat a patient for up to 20 consecutive business days without needing a referral, an increase from the previous limit of 10 days. Additionally, the requirement for a referral from a referring practitioner remains in place for any treatment that exceeds this 20-day period. The bill also repeals a previous subsection (a-2) related to treatment without a referral.

Furthermore, the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners is mandated to adopt necessary rules to implement these changes by December 1, 2025. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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