May 21, 2018Licensure Legislation
Athletic trainers in Minnesota will soon be required to obtain a license rather than completing a state registration. A report from KXRA’s Voice of Alexandria says the House recently passed legislation to modify this system with overwhelming support, and it was signed into law by the governor on May 17.
Under the new legislation, the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice would continue its oversight of athletic training. The biggest change would be a requirement for criminal background checks to be completed prior to licensing athletic trainers. In addition, the law will update terminology, adjust definitions, and tweak continuing education and license application requirements.
“After working on this bill for six years, I am happy to finally see it receive legislative approval, and I am thankful for the efforts of the athletic trainers who have helped along the way,” Mary Franson, the representative who introduced the bill, said. “By requiring background checks during the credential process, this move better protects the public. It’s important we make these reforms and join the vast majority of other states that license their athletic trainers.”
As outlined in the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice athletic trainer application packet, the previous registration process required athletic trainers to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited program and complete the BOC exam (or have a current and unrestricted license from another state with the same requirements). Applicants could also submit a limited registration, allowing them to practice as an athletic trainer for up to one year after graduating but prior to taking the BOC exam. The new system would repeal these temporary credentials for those who have not passed the BOC exam.
