The bill, H.B. No. 3639, 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 is maintained for any treatment that exceeds this 20-day period.

Furthermore, the bill repeals a previous subsection (a-2) that may have provided additional conditions or exceptions related to treatment without a referral. The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes by December 1, 2025, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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