Senate Bill 160 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt WoodsSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Athletic Trainers; interstate licensure compact, established

Summary

SB160 adopts the Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact in Alabama law to let licensed athletic trainers practice in other member states through mutual licensure and a coordinated regulatory framework.

What This Bill Does

It creates the Athletic Trainer Compact as part of Alabama law, enabling licensed athletic trainers to practice in other member states that join and mandating participation in a uniform framework. It establishes the Athletic Trainer Compact Commission to administer the compact, set rules, manage a shared data system, and coordinate enforcement and investigations. It defines how a compact privilege is earned and renewed, including credential pathways, continuing competence requirements, background checks, and adherence to each state’s scope of practice and laws where care occurs, while also providing telehealth allowances and military-friendly provisions.

Who It Affects

• Licensed athletic trainers in Alabama and other member states who seek cross-state practice and must meet uniform compact requirements
• State licensing authorities/boards (including Alabama) that license and regulate athletic trainers and will implement, monitor, and enforce the compact, share licensure and disciplinary data, and oversee investigations and enforcement actions

Key Provisions

• Adopts the Athletic Trainer Compact as Article 3 of Chapter 40, Title 34, of the Alabama Code, enabling cross-state practice among member states.
• Creates the Athletic Trainer Compact Commission to administer the pact, with an executive committee, and to adopt rules, oversee funding, and coordinate enforcement and data sharing.
• Establishes a compact privilege for practicing in remote states, valid for the term of the compact-qualifying license, and allows holding privileges in multiple states while requiring compliance with each state’s scope of practice.
• Sets compact privilege qualifications: (a) active Board of Certification (BOC) certification; or (b) CAATE-based education with exam, plus continuing competence, background checks, and no encumbrances; and requires adherence to jurisprudence and other state requirements.
• Requires ongoing data sharing and joint investigations, with a centralized data system for licensure, adverse actions, and current investigative information; includes confidentiality and due process protections.
• Provides for fees for compact privileges and potential exemptions or reductions for active military members and spouses; outlines adverse actions, dispute resolution, and enforcement mechanisms, including possible termination of statesafety participation.
• Lists operational elements of the Compact Commission, including data system management, rulemaking, budget and auditing requirements, immunity provisions for members and staff, and withdrawal/termination procedures with notice periods.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026, with a process for amendments, withdrawals, and material difference determinations for charter member states.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 17, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards