Texas became the first state legislature in the nation to pass legislation recognizing the potential value of patient reported outcomes (PROs) to enhance patient care.  In 2017, Senator Judith Zaffirini and Rep. JD Sheffield, DO passed SB 55, which directed the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) and Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) to study the potential use of PROs for musculoskeletal care within their health plans.

Together, the two programs represent nearly 1 million covered lives.  The legislation also directed the two systems to outline their costs for select musculoskeletal services.

The Texas Orthopaedic Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and American Joint Replacement Registry responded.  Click here to learn more about the potential value of PROs.