Senate Bill 16-161 Summary

• Establishes the Athletic Trainer Practice Act to regulate athletic trainers by the Division of Professions and Occupations, effective July 1, 2016.

• Requires registration for individuals practicing athletic training, with mandatory completion of a baccalaureate degree, accredited athletic training education program, and competency examination from a national certifying agency or the director.

• Restricts use of athletic trainer titles ("A.T.", "A.T.C.", "Registered Athletic Trainer") to registered individuals and prohibits athletic trainers from practicing medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic, or occupational therapy.

• Establishes grounds for disciplinary action including sexual misconduct, fraud, substance abuse, practicing without registration, and failure to meet professional standards, with authority to issue cease-and-desist orders.

• Appropriates $25,134 for fiscal year 2016-17 (0.3 FTE for Division of Professions and Occupations plus legal services) and sets article to expire September 1, 2021, unless reauthorized.