Breaking News: HB 637 Direct Access To PT Public Hearing Set For 4/20/11

A landmark event in the history of Texas physical therapy and consumer advocacy nationwide is upon. HB 637 – Patient Direct Access To Physical Therapy – has moved to the public hearing stage for the first time. Texas HB 637, authored by Rep. Craig Eiland, has made it’s way to a public hearing with the House Public Health Committee. The public hearing is scheduled for April 20, 2011 at 8:00 am.

This bill is a significant one for health care consumers in Texas. The bill does not change or alter the scope of practice of physical therapists in Texas. It simply removes the referral requirement for treatment by a PT. As the law stands right now in the state of Texas, a physical therapist can perform a patient evaluation without a referral, but must then attain a referral from an authorized referral source (i.e physician or chiropractor) regardless of insurance plan. HB 637 would allow patients to have direct access to a physical therapist for evaluation AND immediate treatment without a referral. This will be a significant cost savings for consumers and will provide greater access to appropriate and necessary care.

The hearing provides an open forum for the public to provide testimony, which is limited to three minutes per person. Those present who are not wishing to speak can fill out a “card of support” in favor of the bill. The presence of consumers and physical therapists affected by this bill is hugely important. This is an opportunity for Texans to gain access to care and decrease the cost of care.

If you are unable to attend the public hearing but wish to support consumer direct access, please email one of the Representatives on the Public Health committee.

More information on Direct Access to Physical Therapy can be found here. The following articles will also provide further information on the importance and meaning of direct access to physical therapy:

Direct Access To Physical Therapy: You Have It, Or You Don’t

Patient-Centered Health Care Begins With Access To Care

Direct Access To Physical Therapy (from 2009 Legislative session)

Photo credits: Wikipedia