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 bill removes a provision that previously allowed for treatment under a different subsection without a referral, thereby streamlining the process for physical therapists.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners adopt necessary rules to implement these changes by December 1, 2025. The new provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, ensuring that physical therapists have a clearer framework for providing care to patients without immediate referral requirements.

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