HB141 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen TreadawayRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Athletic Trainers, Board of, treatment of physically active individual provided, relationship between trainer and supervising or referring physician provided, Jt. Committee of St. Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Athletic Trainers created, Sec. 34-40-3.2 added; Secs. 34-40-2, 34-40-3, 34-40-5, 34-40-6, 34-40-9, 34-40-10, 34-40-15, 34-40-16 am'd.

Summary

HB 141 would strengthen licensing and regulation of athletic trainers in Alabama, formalize their relationship with supervising physicians, and create an advisory council to guide practice protocols.

What This Bill Does

It updates licensure requirements for athletic trainers (including NATA certification and reciprocity) and sets procedures for renewing licenses. It requires athletic trainers to practice under physician supervision via written protocols, with minimum medical criteria set by the State Board of Medical Examiners. It creates a joint Advisory Council of the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers to develop and approve model practice protocols. It clarifies the scope of athletic training, outlines disciplinary grounds, and specifies supervision rules for athletic trainers in clinics, including those operated with physical therapists.

Who It Affects

• Athletic trainers (and apprentice athletic trainers): face updated licensing requirements, must operate under physician supervision through written protocols, and are subject to discipline for violations.
• Physicians and medical boards (State Board of Medical Examiners and Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers): must supervise athletic trainers, approve protocols, and participate in the new advisory council to shape practice standards.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Advisory Council of the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers, with three physician members and three athletic trainer members, including terms, meeting schedules, and per diem.
• Amends definitions (apprentice athletic trainer, athletic injury, athletic trainer, athletic training practice) and clarifies that athletic training is performed under physician supervision or referral with written protocols.
• Requires a formal written protocol signed by a physician and minimum medical criteria for athletic trainers to treat athletic injuries, with supervision and referral conditions defined by the boards.
• Establishes licensure requirements for athletic trainers (NATA certification or reciprocal licensure) and sets renewal processes and fees.
• Allows use of therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation under physician supervision, and distributes responsibility for treatment across physicians, athletic trainers, and other licensed professionals as defined.
• In physical therapy clinic settings, requires athletic trainers to work under the administrative supervision of a licensed physical therapist, with physician supervision governing treatment decisions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Athletic Trainers, Board of