TITLE: Relating to the requirements to obtain or renew an athletic trainer license.

SUMMARY: Relating to the requirements to obtain or renew an athletic trainer license.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the requirements to obtain or renew an athletic trainer license. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 38.158(b) and (e), Education Code, are amended to read as follows: (b) The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shall require [approve for] athletic trainers to obtain continuing education [training courses] in the subject matter of concussions [and shall maintain an updated list of individuals and organizations authorized by the board to provide the training].(e) For purposes of Subsection (c): (1) a coach must take a course described by Subsection (a); (2) an athletic trainer must take [: [(A) a course described by Subsection (b); or [(B)] a course concerning the subject matter of concussions that meets the [has been approved for] continuing education requirements set [credit] by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Subsection (b) [appropriate licensing authority for the profession];and (3) a school nurse or licensed health care professional, other than an athletic trainer, must take: (A) a course described by Subsection (a) or (b); or (B) a course concerning the subject matter of concussions that has been approved for continuing education credit by the appropriate licensing authority for the profession. SECTION 2. Section 451.101(a-1), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (a-1) The department shall: (1) [adopt an official seal; [(2)] prescribe the application form for a license applicant; (2) [(3)] prescribe a suitable form for a license certificate; (3) [(4)] prepare and conduct an examination for license applicants; and (4) [(5)] maintain a complete record of all licensed athletic trainers [; and [(6) annually prepare a roster showing the names and addresses of all licensed athletic trainers].SECTION 3. Section 451.153, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 451.153. APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS. (a) An applicant for an athletic trainer license must: (1) have met the athletic training curriculum requirements of a college or university approved by the commission and give proof of graduation; or (2) hold a degree or certificate in physical therapy and have completed: (A) a basic athletic training course from an accredited college or university; and (B) an apprenticeship described by Subsection (b) [; or [(3) have a degree in corrective therapy with at least a minor in physical education or health that includes a basic athletic training course and meet the apprenticeship requirement or any other requirement established by the commission].(b) The apprenticeship required to be completed by an applicant consists of 720 hours completed in two years under the direct supervision of a licensed athletic trainer acceptable to the department. [Actual working hours include a minimum of 20 hours a week during each fall semester.] SECTION 4. Section 451.156, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 451.156. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSE ISSUANCE. An applicant for an athletic trainer license is entitled to receive the license if the applicant: (1) satisfies the requirements of Section 451.153 [or 451.154];(2) passes the examination required by the department; and (3) pays the required license fee. SECTION 5. Section 451.157(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The department may issue a temporary license to an applicant if the applicant satisfies: (1) the requirements of Section 451.153 [or 451.154];and (2) any other requirement established by the commission. SECTION 6. Section 451.154, Occupations Code, is repealed. SECTION 7. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.