| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
SSB 5503
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Licensing persons who offer athletic training services.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Marr, Keiser, Brown, Brandland, Fairley, Schoesler, Berkey, Shin, Delvin, Kohl-Welles and McAuliffe).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/26/07
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of
musculoskeletal injuries. Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings under the supervision of
licensed health care providers. Generally, athletic trainers must hold a bachelor's degree and
many hold graduate level degrees. According to the national Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2004
there were more than 300 accredited education programs for athletic trainers.
The Department of Health (Department) released a sunrise review in 1993 and again in 2002.
Both sunrise reviews found that the proposals to regulate athletic trainers did not meet the
sunrise criteria. In its 2002 review, the Department found that: (1) the potential for harm was
not clearly recognizable; (2) there were already adequate assurances of competence; and (3) the
public can be effectively protected by current private certification.
Summary of Bill:
Athletic trainers are created as a new health profession to be regulated by the Secretary of Health
(Secretary). To practice athletic training one must hold a license issued by the Secretary.
"Athletic training" is defined to include risk management and prevention of athletic injuries;
recognition, evaluation, and assessment of athletic injuries; immediate care of athletic injuries;
treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning of athletic injuries; and the referral of an athlete to
appropriately licensed health care providers. "Athletic training" does not include spinal
adjustment or manipulative mobilization of the spine; orthotic or prosthetic services; the practice
of occupational therapy; the practice of acupuncture; or prescribing drugs or surgery. The term
"athletic injuries" refers to injuries and conditions sustained by athletes through their
participation in exercise, recreation, sport, or games and that are within the education of an
athletic trainer. "Athletes" are individuals engaged in athletic activity that is generally
conducted by an educational institution or a professional, amateur, or recreational sports club or
organization.
An applicant for a license to practice athletic training must demonstrate that he or she has: (1)
submitted an application and paid a licensing fee; (2) received a bachelor's degree from a
four-year institution approved by the Secretary; and (3) a current credential as an athletic trainer
from the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification and is in good standing
with that organization. The Secretary may determine which states have substantially equivalent
standards to Washington's and issue licenses to applicants from those states.
Athletic trainers must practice through the consultation, referral, or service plan of a physician,
physician assistant, osteopathic physician, osteopathic physician assistant, advanced registered
nurse practitioner, naturopath, physical therapist, chiropractor, dentist, massage practitioner,
acupuncturist, occupational therapist, or podiatric physician.
Exemptions from licensing requirements apply to credentialed health care providers performing
services within their scope of practice; individuals employed by the federal government; students
in an athletic training educational program; individuals with a limited practice in Washington for
no more than 90 days per year; school teachers or coaches; and personal trainers employed by an
athletic club or fitness center.
The Athletic Training Advisory Committee (Committee) is established. The Secretary shall
appoint the five members to the Committee which shall include four athletic trainers with at least
five years of experience and one member of the public. At the request of the Secretary, the
Committee may provide advice regarding the regulation of athletic trainers.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on September 1, 2007.