SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5858

                    As of February 27, 1997

Title:  An act relating to athletic trainers.

Brief Description:  Certifying athletic trainers.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Heavey, Wood, Schow and Finkbeiner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/28/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  Athletic trainers are currently not regulated in the state.  These individuals work under the supervision of a physical therapist or a physician in clinical settings, or they work autonomously or under the indirect supervision of a physician in interscholastic, amateur and professional sports settings.  Their training is in the management of health problems associated with sports participation. These include, for example, treating injuries, developing strength and flexibility, reducing pain and swelling, and on-going rehabilitation.

Nine colleges and universities around the state offer athletic trainer programs.  Currently, there are two national independent certifying entities that review and regulate how athletic trainers prepare for and maintain competency in their profession.

In 1993, the Department of Health conducted a sunrise review of a proposal to license athletic trainers.  They recommended no regulation.

Summary of Bill:  Athletic trainers are regulated at the level of certification.  No person may apply for certification without first receiving a baccalaureate or post graduate degree in a program approved by the Secretary of Health.

The Secretary of Health must establish standards for approval and revocation of educational programs. The secretary must establish date and location of examinations and equivalency standards for out-of-state applicants who seek certification without taking an exam.  The exam is waived for out-of-state practitioners who can show they meet accepted standards of educations and experience for the profession.

The secretary establishes by rule fees and requirements for renewal of a credential.

Athletic trainers are regulated under the state's Uniform Disciplinary Act.   

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 25, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.