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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the authority of a physical therapist to treat a patient |
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without a referral. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 453.301(a), Occupations Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(a) A physical therapist may treat a patient for an injury |
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or condition in a manner described by Section 453.005 without a |
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referral [if the physical therapist: |
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[(1) has been licensed to practice physical therapy |
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for at least one year; |
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[(2) is covered by professional liability insurance in |
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the minimum amount required by board rule; and |
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[(3) either: |
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[(A) possesses a doctoral degree in physical |
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therapy from: |
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[(i) a program that is accredited by the |
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Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; or |
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[(ii) an institution that is accredited by |
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an agency or association recognized by the United States secretary |
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of education; or |
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[(B) has completed at least 30 hours of |
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continuing competence activities in the area of differential |
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diagnosis]. |
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SECTION 2. The heading to Section 453.302, Occupations |
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Code, is amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 453.302. PROVISION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE [TREATING |
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PATIENT WITHOUT REFERRAL]. |
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SECTION 3. Section 453.302(b), Occupations Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(b) In an emergency circumstance, including a minor |
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emergency, a physical therapist may provide emergency medical care |
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to a person to the best of the therapist's ability [without a |
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referral from a referring practitioner]. |
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SECTION 4. The following provisions of the Occupations Code |
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are repealed: |
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(1) Section 453.001(9); |
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(2) Sections 453.301(a-1), (a-2), and (b); and |
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(3) Section 453.302(c). |
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SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |