Senate Approves Tomlinson Bills to License Athletic Trainers

In late September, the State Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-6th) that would provide licensure for certified athletic trainers.

According to a release, Senate Bill 957 and Senate Bill 967 would license athletic trainers under the Medical Practice Act and the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act. Athletic Trainers who already hold a valid and current certificate by the state, will be deemed licensed under this act.

Tomlinson, who chairs the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, said athletic trainers have proven themselves under certification and deserve to have a recognized license in the Commonwealth.

"This legislation recognizes the valuable work athletic trainers do and will give them licensing authority," Tomlinson said. "This change will affect approximately 3,000 certified athletic trainers practicing in Pennsylvania -- the largest number of athletic trainers of any state."

Pennsylvania also has one of the highest numbers of accredited Athletic Training Education Programs in the country. The bills are now before the House of Representatives for consideration.