By: Price H.B. No. 2495

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the requirements to obtain or renew an athletic trainer license.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 38.158(b) and (e), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(b) The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shall require [approve for] athletic trainers to obtain continuing education [training courses] in the subject matter of concussions [and shall maintain an updated list of individuals and organizations authorized by the board to provide the training].

(e) For purposes of Subsection (c):

(1) a coach must take a course described by Subsection (a);

(2) an athletic trainer must take[:

(A) a course described by Subsection (b); or

(B)] a course concerning the subject matter of concussions that meets the [has been approved for] continuing education requirements set [credit] by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Subsection (b) [appropriate licensing authority for the profession]; and

(3) a school nurse or licensed health care professional, other than an athletic trainer, must take:

(A) a course described by Subsection (a) or (b); or

(B) a course concerning the subject matter of concussions that has been approved for continuing education credit by the appropriate licensing authority for the profession.

SECTION 2. Section 451.101(a-1), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a-1) The department shall:

(1) [adopt an official seal;]

(2) prescribe the application form for a license applicant;

(3) prescribe a suitable form for a license certificate;

(4) prepare and conduct an examination for license applicants; and

(5) maintain a complete record of all licensed athletic trainers.[; and

(6) annually prepare a roster showing the names and addresses of all licensed athletic trainers.]

SECTION 3. Section 451.153, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 451.153. APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS. (a) An applicant for an athletic trainer license must:

(1) have met the athletic training curriculum requirements of a college or university approved by the commission and give proof of graduation; or

(2) hold a degree or certificate in physical therapy and have completed:

(A) a basic athletic training course from an accredited college or university; and

(B) an apprenticeship described by Subsection (b)[; or

[(3) 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 the commission].

(b) The apprenticeship required to be completed by an applicant consists of 720 hours completed in two years under the direct supervision of a licensed athletic trainer acceptable to the department. [Actual working hours include a minimum of 20 hours a week during each fall semester.]

SECTION 4. Section 451.156, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 451.156. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSE ISSUANCE. An applicant for an athletic trainer license is entitled to receive the license if the applicant:

(1) satisfies the requirements of Section 451.153 [or 451.154];

(2) passes the examination required by the department; and

(3) pays the required license fee.

SECTION 5. Section 451.157(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 451.157. TEMPORARY LICENSE. (a) The department may issue a temporary license to an applicant if the applicant satisfies:

(1) the requirements of Section 451.153 [or 451.154]; and

(2) any other requirement established by the commission.

SECTION 6. Section 451.154, Occupations Code, is repealed.

SECTION 7. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.