SPONSOR: Gallick
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 20 to 0.
This bill creates the "Athletic Trainer Compact". Athletic trainers licensed in a state that participates in the Compact can practice in other participating states without additional requirements. The bill also enhances the ability of participating states to protect the public health and safety and cooperate in regulating the practice of athletic trainers.
The bill specifies the conditions for a state to join and continue as a participating state, such as enacting a compact that is not materially different from the model compact, implementing a criminal background check requirement, accepting certain examinations and accreditations, and paying a participation fee to the Athletic Trainer Compact Commission. The bill also defines the qualifications and obligations of a licensee who seeks to obtain and exercise a compact privilege in a remote state, such as having a qualifying license, meeting any jurisprudence requirement, reporting any adverse action, and complying with the scope of practice of the remote state.
The bill establishes the "Athletic Trainer Compact Commission", composed of one commissioner from each participating state, to administer and enforce the Compact. The Commission will have the power to adopt rules and bylaws, maintain a data system, charge fees, conduct investigations, take disciplinary actions, issue subpoenas, and initiate legal proceedings. The bill also outlines the procedures and standards for the Commission's meetings, financial review, executive board, and annual report.
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that we need more athletic trainers and this would help bring more to Missouri. This bill would also make us consistent with other health compacts the State already has. This bill has patient protections and would help rural access to athletic trainers. This bill does not change the scope of practice and the athletic trainers from other states would be required to follow our laws when practicing in Missouri. Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Gallick; Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association; David Pearce, University of Central Missouri; and Jay Hoffman.
OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.
OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill say that the military is trying to have as many compacts passed in states to help military families who move around the country and have a family member who has a professional license.
Testifying in person on the bill was Keith Buckhout, The Council of State Governments.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: