HBA-NMO H.B. 1834 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1834 By: Lewis, Ron Public Health 4/13/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current law authorizes a physical therapist to treat a patient for an injury or condition that was the subject of a prior referral, if the therapist meets certain conditions. This referral stipulation may cause delays in the initiation of needed care, resulting in longer patient rehabilitation time and higher healthcare costs. H.B. 1834 authorizes a physical therapist to treat a patient for an injury or condition that was not the subject of a prior referral, if the therapist meets certain conditions. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 19(a)(2), Article 4512e, V.T.C.S., to authorize a licensed physical therapist to treat a patient for an injury or condition that was not the subject of a prior referral if before commencing therapy, the physical therapist discloses to the patient in writing the scope and limitations of the practice of physical therapy and obtains the patient's written consent to the provision of physical therapy, and the physical therapist timely refers the patient for treatment of any injury or condition that is outside the scope of the practice of physical therapy. Deletes language that authorizes a physical therapist to treat a patient for an injury or condition that was the subject of a prior referral if certain conditions are met. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.