HARRISBURG – Athletic trainers can now deliver a wider scope of health care services to more individuals thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).
“The science behind preventing, diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating athletic injuries has advanced remarkably. Athletic trainers are the front-line workers in this arena,” Baker said. “These bills represent a solid team effort to make sure that athletic trainers are sufficiently prepared and afforded the scope of practice to best ensure the health and competitiveness of our athletes and those involved in other activities.”
Senate Bills 559 and 560 – now Acts 83 and 84 of 2024 – permit athletic trainers to practice specific invasive procedures under a written protocol with a licensed physician, more closely reflecting the advancements in education, knowledge, skills and training the profession has experienced in the last 20 years.
Specific changes include adding members of the performing arts and military, and recreationally active people to the list of individuals athletic trainers can treat, as well as the clarification of specific procedures, some lifesaving, that athletic trainers are able to perform.
The new laws will also aid in retaining graduates and supporting the creation of new job opportunities, ensure quality patient care for physically active residents of all ages, and ultimately provide a highly qualified medical professional with a chance to help mitigate the current healthcare crisis.
“We are grateful for the group effort to get this accomplished,” Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society Past President Dr. Nicole Cattano said. “Our members demonstrate the valuable role athletic trainers play in healthcare daily. It is a ‘greAT’ day in the commonwealth.”
To learn more about the athletic training profession and the PA Athletic Trainers’ Society, please visit www.gopats.org.
CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson