BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2495

By: Price

Public Health

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

When the occupational licensing program for athletic trainers was transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) from the Department of State Health Services, some statutes were not updated to reflect differences in administration. C.S.H.B. 2495 seeks to amend statutes regarding the licensure of athletic trainers to make them consistent with processes in place at TDLR. The bill also removes outdated language related to licensure qualifications and processes.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2495 amends the Education Code and Occupations Code to revise the requirements to obtain or renew an athletic trainer license as follows:

· clarifies that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is required to set the continuing education requirements in the subject matter of concussions for athletic trainers and that athletic trainers are required to take a course concerning that subject matter that meets the TDLR requirements;

· removes the requirement for TDLR to maintain an updated list of individuals and organizations authorized to provide the training;

· removes the requirements for TDLR to adopt an official seal and annually prepare a roster showing the names and addresses of all licensed athletic trainers;

· removes as an alternative qualification for a license applicant for an athletic trainer license having a degree in corrective therapy with at least a minor in physical education or health that includes a basic athletic training course and meeting the apprenticeship requirement, or any other requirement established by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation; and

· removes the specification that the actual working hours under an apprenticeship that a license applicant who holds a degree or certificate in physical therapy must complete include a minimum of 20 hours a week during each fall semester.

C.S.H.B. 2495 repeals Section 451.154, Occupations Code, which requires an out-of-state applicant for an athletic trainer license to submit proof of active engagement as an athletic trainer in Texas in addition to satisfying the requirements for applicants generally.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.

COMPARISON OF INTRODUCED AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 2495 differs from the introduced in minor or nonsubstantive ways by conforming to certain bill drafting conventions.