LICENSING RULES FOR ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Senate Bill 184 (H-2) as referred to second House committee

Sponsor:  Sen. Curtis S. VanderWall

1st House Committee:  Regulatory Reform

2nd House Committee:  Ways and Means

Senate Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 12-9-19

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 184 would amend Part 179 (Athletic Training) of the Public Health Code to amend the licensing rules for athletic trainers. It would remove reference to a three-year licensing cycle. 

The bill would also remove a requirement that 75 hours of continuing education be completed during that cycle[1] and replace it with a more general requirement that the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), in consultation with the Michigan Athletic Trainer Board, establish continuing education requirements for athletic trainers. The rules would have to adopt by reference the continuing education standards for athletic trainers issued by the Board of Certification, Inc., that are in existence when the bill takes effect. LARA, in consultation with the Michigan Athletic Trainer Board, could adopt any updates or amendments to those standards by rule.

Beginning in the license cycle after the rules established by LARA take effect, a person would have to meet those requirements and furnish acceptable evidence of completion to LARA and the board.

Additionally, the bill would remove a stipulation that, in addition to continuing education requirements, an athletic trainer submit proof of completed courses in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training participation and certification.

MCL 333.17904, 333.17905, and 333.17906

BACKGROUND:

            The current rules for Michigan athletic trainer licensing may be found here:

 https://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/Athletic_Trainer_Licensing_Guide_9-2017_601586_7.pdf

BRIEF DISCUSSION:

According to committee testimony, the bill would move rule promulgation for athletic trainers from statute to the Administrative Rules. Those rules would still receive legislative oversight, as they would go before the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR)—comprising five senators and five representatives—but changes would be streamlined and could be made with greater ease.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 184 would not have an appreciable fiscal impact on LARA or on any other unit of state or local government.

POSITIONS:

A representative of the Michigan Athletic Trainers Society testified in support of the bill. (9-3-19)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Jenny McInerney

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Marcus Coffin

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.

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