Rep. Klarides-Ditria Champions Athletic Trainers Bill through the House
HARTFORD- Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 7171, which was introduced by State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria. The bill looks to expand and update the scope of practice for athletic trainers by adding to the definition of “athletic training” in the athletic trainer licensing statutes.
The legislation would rename the term for athletic trainers’ clients as “physically active individuals” rather than “athletes,” and modifies the definition. Additionally, the bill:
- expands the requirements for standing orders between athletic trainers and licensed health care providers to provide care and treatment to physically active individuals;
- adds to the athletic trainer licensure requirements for applicants who will work somewhere other than at a professional, amateur, school, or other sports organization;
- modifies the licensure exemption requirements for athletic training students;
- requires athletic trainers to maintain specified amounts of professional liability insurance, unless their employer maintains such insurance; and
- requires certain athletic trainers to make their client records available, at their employer’s request, for review quarterly.
“I am excited to see this major piece of legislation for athletic trainers pass the House today,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “The existing scope of practice act related to athletic trainers is outdated and this legislation will help align Connecticut with other states throughout the country. I want to thank all my colleagues for working with me to strengthen this language and make it a strong bill that will give athletic trainers the ability to provide the best treatment available to their athletes.”
Rep. Klarides-Ditria, a full-time athletic trainer at Lauralton Hall in Milford and for the Seymour Football Team, has seen firsthand that under current law athletic trainers have been unable to serve their patients to the full extent of their training and ability.
“Athletic trainers go through years and years of education and training, which makes us more than qualified to handle additional responsibilities,” added Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “This bill will reduce the total suffering endured by patients and will make athletic trainers far more effective for those we treat. Athletic trainers play an integral role and it is time for the state of Connecticut to let athletic trainers use their knowledge to help all physically active individuals.”
The bill also makes various minor, technical, and conforming changes.
H.B. 7171 will now head to the Senate, where it will need to be voted on by midnight on June 7th. Rep. Klarides-Ditria said she is working with her colleagues in the Senate and is hopeful this legislation will pass both chambers.
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