Professions and businesses; athletic trainers; revise and update definitions
Summary
House Bill 314 revises Georgia’s laws governing athletic trainers in Chapter 5 of Title 43. The bill updates statutory definitions, including “athletic injury” and “athletic trainer,” and clarifies that athletic trainers practice only with the advice and consent of a physician. It also preserves an exemption for teachers, coaches, and authorized volunteers who do not hold themselves out as athletic trainers.
The bill modernizes the Board of Athletic Trainers’ authority and administrative duties, including rulemaking, application forms, guidelines, and certification testing. It also revises licensure requirements so applicants must graduate from an accredited athletic training education program recognized by the board or provide equivalent credentials approved by the board. Reciprocity provisions are retained and updated, allowing licensure without examination for qualified out-of-state trainers and for applicants certified by the national board. Existing licensees issued before July 1, 2004 remain eligible to continue licensure if their license stays current.
Impact
HB314 would amend Georgia’s professional licensing framework for athletic trainers by tightening and clarifying educational, supervisory, and licensure standards while removing obsolete language. The bill specifically requires athletic training students to work under direct supervision of a physician or licensed athletic trainer, defines that supervision as physical presence and immediate availability, and updates the board’s authority over certification and licensing procedures. It affects athletic trainers, athletic training students, the Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers, and educational programs preparing future licensees.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received mixed but ultimately favorable support in the House, passing 93-77. The absence of committee transcript discussion limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote suggests the measure was supported by a majority while drawing meaningful opposition. Overall, the bill’s tone is regulatory and technical rather than controversial, focused on updating professional standards and aligning the statute with current practice.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the bill’s stricter supervision requirement for athletic training students and the updated licensure qualifications tied to accredited programs and board-recognized credentials. Opponents may have been concerned about increased regulatory burdens, limits on student training arrangements, or the impact on existing pathways into the profession. Supporters likely viewed the changes as necessary to modernize the law, improve clarity, and protect public safety through clearer oversight and credentialing standards.
To Amend The Arkansas Athletic Trainers Act; To Clarify The Definition Of "athlete"; And To Define "healthcare Provider" Regarding Student Athlete Concussion Education.
Requires certified athletic trainers to be trained in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) and would require such professionals to be equipped with the medication while performing professional activities.
Requires certified athletic trainers to be trained in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) and would require such professionals to be equipped with the medication while performing professional activities.