Bill: HB 29, 86(R) - 2019
Committee
House Public Health
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Positive |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Positive |
Author(s)
Ina Minjarez
Garnet F. Coleman
Stephanie Klick
Joe Moody
Tan Parker
Bill Caption
Relating to the regulation of the practice of physical therapy.
Fiscal Notes
According to the Legislative Budget Board, no fiscal impact to the state is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 29 eliminates the legal requirement for referrals to a physical therapist. Under current state law, patients may only see a physical therapist if they are referred to a therapist by a physician. This system ultimately costs the patient more as they must visit two providers in order to be treated. HB 29 seeks to help expand access to physical therapy by removing this requirement. The bill also requires physical therapists to be covered by minimum liability insurance. The removal of this barrier does not cover any treatment that is not already within the scope of the practice of the license to practice physical therapy. Other conditions would apply.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Texas Action supports HB 29 on the basis that it
promotes a free market approach to this aspect of healthcare. This also supports limited government and individual liberty. Physical Therapists are trained to treat a wide variety of conditions. HB 29 eliminates state-imposed barrier to an individual's direct access to the physical therapist of their choice and allows patients to have access to a wider array of
treatments without paying for referrals. We believe this will likely expand
access to care and lower overall healthcare costs. We strongly support HB 29.
