BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 4099
89R22439 GP-F	By: Harris Davila et al. (Perry)
	Health & Human Services
	5/20/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Many Texans, whether they are recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or working to regain strength and mobility after an injury and need physical therapy, are often delayed in receiving care because of referral requirements, paperwork, and costs just to begin treatment. Current state law limits the period during which a licensed physical therapist may treat a patient without a referral to 10 or 15 consecutive business days, as applicable, depending on the educational background of the physical therapist, which is fewer days than what many other states permit. These restrictions can not only delay care but can lead to worsened outcomes, higher costs, and greater strain on the health care system. H.B. 4099 seeks to create accessible, preventative health options and expand direct access to physical therapy by extending the period during which a physical therapist may treat a patient without a referral to 30 consecutive days.

H.B. 4099 amends current law relating to the treatment of a patient by a physical therapist without a referral.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners in SECTION 3 of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Sections 453.301(a-1) and (b), Occupations Code, as follows:

(a-1) Authorizes a physical therapist to treat a patient under Subsection (a) (relating to authorizing a physical therapist to treat a patient without referral under certain circumstances) for not more than 30 consecutive calendar days, rather than 10 consecutive business days. Deletes existing text creating an exception under Subsection (a-2) (relating to authorizing a physical therapist to treat a patient for not more than 15 consecutive business days under certain circumstances). Makes a nonsubstantive change.

(b) Requires the physical therapist to obtain a referral from a referring practitioner before the physical therapist is authorized to continue treatment that exceeds treatment under Subsection (a-1), rather than under Subsection (a-1) or (a-2) as applicable.

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 453.301(a-2) (relating to authorizing a physical therapist to treat a patient for not more than 15 consecutive business days under certain circumstances), Occupations Code.

SECTION 3. Requires the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, not later than December 1, 2025, to adopt rules necessary to implement Section 453.301 (Practice by Physical Therapist), Occupations Code, as amended by this Act.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2025.