SRC-JXG S.B. 1233 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 1233 By: Nelson Health Services 7/6/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Currently, Texas law requires a licensed athletic trainer to provide care under the advice and consent of a team physician; however, in certain rural high school settings, a physician may not be available. Therefore, providing treatment to those athletes does not conform to current statutory requirements. S.B. 1233 will permit a licensed physician or qualified licensed health professional who is authorized to refer for health care services, within the scope of the person's license to provide the required direction, and will permit licensed athletic trainers to treat persons who participate in an organized sport, recreational sport, or sports-related activity. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 1233 updates the Athletic Trainer Act to provide treatment for athletes in certain high school settings, and individuals participating in an organized sport or sport-related exercise or activity. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Article 4512d, V.T.C.S., as follows: Sec. 1. New heading: DEFINITIONS; EXCEPTIONS. Defines "athletic injury," "athletic training," "board," "commissioner," and "department." Redefines "athletic trainer." Requires nothing herein to be construed to authorize the practice of the medicine by any person not licensed by the Texas State Board (board) of Medical Examiners. Provides that the provisions of this Act do not apply to certain occupations. Provides that this Act does not apply to an athletic trainer who does not live in this state, is licensed, registered, or certified by an authority recognized by the board, and who provides athletic training in this state for a period determined by the board. Deletes text regarding functions of the athletic trainer. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Amends Article 4512d, V.T.C.S., to authorize the board to refuse to issue a license to an applicant or to suspend or revoke the license of any licensee if the applicant or licensee has provided services outside the scope of practice of athletic training. Make nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.