Relating to the treatment of a patient by a physical therapist without a referral.

SB 157 amends Texas law to allow physical therapists to treat patients for up to 20 consecutive business days without a referral from a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider (previously 10 days). After this initial 20-day period, physical therapists must obtain a referral from a "referring practitioner" to continue treatment. The bill directly affects physical therapists by expanding their initial treatment authority and patients by reducing initial barriers to care. The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners must adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025, and the law takes effect September 1, 2025.