FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 2430
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. |
C 194 L 14
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning athletic trainers.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Riccelli, Schmick and Ormsby).
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor
Background:
The Department of Health (Department) licenses, establishes standards for, and disciplines athletic trainers. It is unlawful to practice or offer to practice as an athletic trainer without being licensed. "Athletic training" means application of the following principles by a licensed athletic trainer:
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 through the application of physical agents and modalities, therapeutic activities and exercise, standard reassessment techniques and procedures, commercial products, and educational programs in accordance with guidelines established with a licensed health care provider; and
referral of an athlete to a licensed health care provider if the injury requires further care or is outside the athletic trainer's scope of practice.
"Athletic training" does not include most orthotic and prosthetic services, medical diagnosis, prescribing of drugs, or surgery. "Athletic injury" means an injury or condition sustained by an athlete that affects participation or performance in exercise, recreation, sport, or games. The injury or condition must be within the professional preparation and education of the athletic trainer.
Except as necessary to provide emergency care, an athletic trainer may only provide treatment, rehabilitation, or reconditioning services as provided in guidelines established with a licensed health care provider (specifically, 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 and surgeon).
The Department has authority to develop and administer examinations, issue licenses, and adopt rules to implement the athletic trainer law.
Rules adopted by the Department of Labor & Industries permit payment for physical medicine services for an injured worker provided by a medical or osteopathic physician who is board certified or board qualified in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, a licensed physical therapist, or an injured worker's attending doctor, within certain limitations. The physical medicine services must be personally performed by: the physician; attending doctor; the physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant employed by and serving under the direction of a physical therapist, physician, or attending doctor.
Summary:
"Athletic training" includes treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning of work-related injuries if the an athletic trainer provides the treatment, rehabilitation, or reconditioning: (1) under the direct supervision of a provider who is authorized to provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services for injured workers; and (2) in accordance with a plan of care for an individual worker established by such a provider.
The Department of Health may establish continuing education requirements for athletic trainers.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 81 | 16 | |
Senate | 48 | 1 |
Effective: | June 12, 2014 |