Athletic trainer provisions

On a tie vote, a bill that would make changes to athletic trainer provisions failed to gain House Licensing Subcommittee approval Feb. 25.

Sponsored by Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls), HF2399 would replace terms such as “athlete” with “patient,” and shorten the temporary registration period of a trainer from one year to six months.

Thissen said the bill won’t change those treated under current provisions.

Cathy Brennan, vice president of the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association, said the changes could be harmful for patients with certain illnesses and diseases because trainers are educated to treat athletes. The suggested language is too broad, she said.

Mike Doyle, president of the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association, said the changes would clarify who athletic trainers are and who they treat. Additionally, they work side-by-side with other health care professionals when treating patients and athletes and are educated to do both. “This bill doesn’t change what we can provide in services,” he said.

Changing “athlete” to “patient” does open up the door for trainers to treat those other than athletes, said Rep. Julie Bunn (DFL-Lake Elmo).

A companion bill, SF2336, sponsored by Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), awaits action by the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee.