Bill Would Change Physical Therapy Law

A new bill would change the current law that prohibits patients in Texas from getting treatment from a physical therapist without seeing a doctor first.

Physical therapists from around the state are pushing to change that law. Therapists say the current law is outdated and adds time and expenses to the healing process.

Under the proposed legislation, a patient must still first get a referral from a physician before receiving treatment from a physical therapist. However, the requirement to see a doctor in the office before having therapy would be eliminated.

Chase Bearden, who has been in a wheelchair for 17 years, says the state’s current laws are tough on people with disabilities.

“Texans with disabilities tend to have issues getting in to see a physical therapist. A lot of times they need to get there sooner than to wait and see a doctor,” Bearden said.

State Representative Craig Eiland is supporting the bill.

“To have to go to two offices to end up doing the same thing is inefficient for workers, employers, everyone else,” Eiland said.

Eiland said there is a provision in the bill that says if a patient is not responding to treatment, physical therapists must refer them to a physician.