BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2495
88R24860 DIO-F	By: Price (Johnson)
	Business & Commerce
	5/12/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

In 2015, S.B. 202 (84R) moved athletic trainer licensure from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) as part of DSHS' sunset review. When the occupational licensing program for athletic trainers was transferred, some statutes were not updated to reflect differences in administration. H.B. 2495 seeks to amend statutes regarding the licensure of athletic trainers to make them consistent with processes in place at TDLR. H.B. 2495 also removes outdated language related to licensure qualifications and processes.

H.B. 2495 amends current law relating to the requirements to obtain or renew an athletic trainer license.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Sections 38.158(b) and (e), Education Code, as follows:

(b) Requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to require athletic trainers to obtain continuing education in the subject matter of concussions. Deletes existing text requiring TDLR to approve for athletic trainers training courses in the subject matter of concussions and to maintain an updated list of individuals and organizations authorized by the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers to provide the training.

(e) Provides that for purposes of Subsection (c) (relating to requiring certain persons to take a training course from an authorized training provider at least once every two years):

(1) makes no changes to this subdivision;

(2) an athletic trainer is required to take �a course concerning the subject matter of concussions that meets the continuing education requirements set by TDLR under Subsection (b), rather than a course described by Subsection (b) or a course concerning the subject matter of concussions that has been approved for continuing education credit by the appropriate licensing authority for the profession. Makes nonsubstantive changes; and

(3) makes no changes to this subdivision.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 451.101(a-1), Occupations Code, to delete existing text requiring TDLR to adopt an official seal and to annually prepare a roster showing the names and addresses of all licensed athletic trainers. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 3. Amends Section 451.153, Occupations Code, as follows:

Sec. 451.153.� APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS. (a) Deletes existing text requiring an applicant for an athletic trainer license to have a degree in corrective therapy with at least a minor in physical education or health that includes a basic athletic training course and meet the apprenticeship requirement or any other requirement established by Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation. Makes a nonsubstantive change.

(b) Deletes existing text providing that actual working hours include a minimum of 20 hours a week during each fall semester.

SECTION 4. Amends Section 451.156, Occupations Code, as follows:

Sec. 451.156. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSE ISSUANCE. Deletes existing text providing that an applicant for an athletic trainer license is entitled to receive the license if the applicant satisfies the requirements of Section 451.154 (Out-of-State License Applicants).

SECTION 5. Amends Section 451.157(a), Occupations Code, to delete existing text authorizing TDLR to issue a temporary license to an applicant if the applicant satisfies the requirements of Section 451.154.

SECTION 6. Repealer: Section 451.154 (Out-of-State License Applicants), Occupations Code.

SECTION 7. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.