HB 4727

relating to the authority of a physical therapist to treat a patient
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 453.301(a), Occupations Code, is amended
(a)  A physical therapist may treat a patient for an injury
or condition in a manner described by Section 453.005 without a
referral [if the physical therapist:
[(1)  has been licensed to practice physical therapy
[(2)  is covered by professional liability insurance in
the minimum amount required by board rule; and
[(A)  possesses a doctoral degree in physical
[(i)  a program that is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; or
[(ii)  an institution that is accredited by
an agency or association recognized by the United States secretary
[(B)  has completed at least 30 hours of
continuing competence activities in the area of differential
SECTION 2.  The heading to Section 453.302, Occupations
Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 453.302.  PROVISION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE [TREATING
SECTION 3.  Section 453.302(b), Occupations Code, is amended
(b)  In an emergency circumstance, including a minor
emergency, a physical therapist may provide emergency medical care
to a person to the best of the therapist's ability [without a
referral from a referring practitioner].
SECTION 4.  The following provisions of the Occupations Code
(2)  Sections 453.301(a-1), (a-2), and (b); and
SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.