SB109 Summary

• Establishes athletic trainers as allied healthcare professionals and clarifies their supervision requirements: indirect supervision by physicians in nonclinical settings and direct supervision by physicians or physical therapists in clinical settings.

• Adds detailed definitions including "standing orders" (written agreements between athletic trainers and physicians specifying protocols, communication frequency, and referral procedures) and expands the definition of athletic training to include emergency care during non-sanctioned recreational sports.

• Changes temporary athletic trainer permit expiration from one year to thirty (30) days after application, and changes license renewal date to June 30th of each calendar year.

• Increases penalties for violations: civil penalties up to $1,000 per incident (previously unstated), with authority to penalize both licensed and unlicensed practitioners.

• Requires athletic trainers to notify the Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training within ten (10) days of receiving notification of any malpractice claim or lawsuit.