Relates to the licensure of athletic trainers; repealer

6 Co-sponsors

• Joseph A. Griffo
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Michael F. Nozzolio
• Marc Panepinto
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Joseph E. Robach

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the licensure of athletic trainers; and to repeal certain provisions of such law relating thereto

Purpose

To create licensure for the profession of Athletic Training.

Summary

This legislation updates the current laws that certify Athletic Trainers (ATs), however it maintains the requirement that ATs perform under the supervision of physicians. The bill establishes licensure for Athletic Trainers and it expands the definition of Athletic Training. Furthermore, it makes clear that Athletic Trainers can manage individuals with concussions or individuals involved in adaptive athletics. Since the practice of Athletic Training would now require a license, the legislation sets forth exemptions to allow students in accredited programs and other qualified licensees to perform services that would be protected upon enactment of this law. The bill also creates a continuing education requirement for licensed ATs.

Justification

The Athletic Training practice act (Article 162 of the Education Law) was passed in 1992. It needs to be updated to reflect the evolution of the profession of Athletic Training including the increased knowledge base, capabilities, and abilities of Athletic Trainers. The pursuit of licensure is solely to protect the public. Individuals working in the capacity of Athletic Trainers would be required to possess licenses. This would allow athletes, parents, patients, performers, and clients to know that the Athletic Trainers working with them are qualified to provide this important service.

The current scope of practice for Athletic training in New York State is so limited that fewer students who graduate from the eleven accredited Athletic Training education programs in NYS colleges choose to remain in New York to work. We are frequently losing the best students to other locations as a result of the limitations in the current practice act. As a result, fewer NYS high schools will have access to Athletic Trainers at a time when the recently enacted Concussion Awareness and Management Law makes it more desirable for secondary schools to have Athletic Trainers on staff as part of their Concussion Management Teams.

Effective date

The first of January after the bill shall have become law.