Relating to the treatment of a patient by a physical therapist without a referral.

HB 3639 allows physical therapists in Texas to provide initial treatment to patients for up to 20 consecutive business days without a referral from a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. After this 20-day period, therapists must obtain a referral to continue treatment. The bill amends Texas law to extend the initial treatment window from 10 to 20 days and repeals the previous shorter timeframe. This directly affects physical therapists and their patients by changing the initial care access rules in Texas. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with implementing rules due by December 1, 2025.