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.