HF82 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Athletic trainer scope of practice clarified.

Related bill: SF962

AI Generated Summary

The legislative bill introduced by Representative Huot is focused on defining and clarifying the scope of practice for athletic trainers in Minnesota. It amends existing statutes to specify what activities athletic trainers are allowed to perform, under which conditions, and under whose supervision they must operate.

Key highlights of the bill include: 1. Scope of Practice: Athletic trainers can treat emergent, acute, and chronic injuries as well as non-orthopedic conditions, provided these actions are within their training and experience. Their responsibilities include prevention and wellness promotion, risk management, emergency care, assessment and diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and health care administration.

  1. Supervision and Collaboration: Athletic trainers must perform their duties under the direction of, or in collaboration with, a primary physician who is licensed in Minnesota. The bill outlines specific tasks athletic trainers are authorized to perform, like injury prevention, emergency care, and injury rehabilitation.

  2. Protocols and Limitations: Athletic trainers are required to work according to protocols established by a supervising physician. The bill also sets limitations, stating that athletic trainers cannot claim to practice in any other healthcare profession like medicine, chiropractic, or physical therapy, unless they are also licensed in that field.

  3. Referrals and Treatment Adjustments: If a medical condition is outside an athletic trainer's scope, they must refer the patient to a licensed professional. They're also allowed to suggest treatment modifications to the supervising physician based on the patient's response to treatment.

  4. Temporary Practice Exceptions: The amendments clarify that the rules do not apply to athletic trainers who are in Minnesota temporarily for specific athletic events and are certified or licensed in another state or country.

  5. Repeals: The bill repeals certain subdivisions that previously defined terms like "athlete" and "athletic injury".

Overall, the proposed bill seeks to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of athletic training practices in Minnesota, ensuring that athletic trainers operate within well-defined legal and professional boundaries while providing care.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 09, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHealth Finance and Policy
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
February 18, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 04, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 10, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 26, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subsection specifying the role of athletic trainers in treating injuries."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill clarifies the scope of practice for athletic trainers under section 148.7806.",
      "modified": [
        "Details on collaboration and protocol establishment with primary physicians."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "148.7806"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to licensing requirements for physicians directing athletic trainers.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "147.081"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to chiropractic practices, affecting how athletic trainers can operate.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies contexts where athletic trainers can or cannot practice similar skills."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "148.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Governs how athletic trainers may work under supervision in physical therapy settings.",
      "modified": [
        "Legal clarifications on supervision requirements for athletic trainers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "148.65"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines podiatry practice limitations relevant to athletic trainers' scope.",
      "modified": [
        "Limits and allowances for athletic trainers relating to podiatry."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "153.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines dental practice limitations relevant to athletic trainers' practice.",
      "modified": [
        "Guidelines on athletic trainers’ interaction with dentistry."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "150A.05"
  }
]