Apr 14, 2021New York Bill to Push ATC Licensure
A New York bill is currently going through the state assembly and aims to update the scope and evolving practices of athletic trainers in the Empire State.
The Athletic Training Licensure Act would, according to advocates, benefit both athletic trainers and consumers alike, additionally providing a certain guarantee that athletes are getting quality care.
In a report from 13WHAM.com, Bud Carpenter, an athletic trainer with the Buffalo Bills for more than three decades, spoke out in support of the new legislation.
“Certification is great,” he said to 13WHAM.com. “But licensure gives us that next step. We are as professional as there is. Talk to the physicians that work with us day in and day out. We’re like a physician’s assistant, but we don’t want to play doctor. We’re there to triage and then prepare that athlete to get back as safely as possible.”
Steve Donahue, head athletic trainer for the New York Yankees, agreed with Carpenter’s thoughts when he caught up with WHEC.com.
“As part of remaining a certified athletic trainer we have to have our continued education requirements and that’s to keep our status up, to keep us current in our profession, and another reason to pass this bill,” Donahue said WHEC.com.
The original scope of practice for athletic trainers was put together in the 1990s, and those in favor of the bill say a lot has changed in the last 30 years.
“A lot has happened over the course of nearly three decades, including many advances in the training, education, and scope of work athletic trainers are competent to provide,” Roy Flores of the New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association said to 13WHAM.com. “Both our coursework and field practicum have evolved. Our scope needs to reflect such advances.”
According to 13WHAM.com, New York is among four other states that don’t require athletic trainers to be licensed.
To read the full New York bill, click here.
