Legislature(2013 - 2014)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/16/2014 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB379 | |
| SB220 | |
| HB308 | |
| HB361 | |
| HB160 | |
| HB116 | |
| SB48 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 278 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 385 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| = | HB 379 | ||
| = | SB 220 | ||
| = | HB 308 | ||
| = | HB 361 | ||
| = | HB 160 | ||
| = | SB 48 | ||
| = | HB 116 | ||
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 160(FIN)
"An Act relating to the licensing and regulation of
athletic trainers."
3:10:04 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STEVE THOMPSON, stated that the legislation
would amend current statutes to establish licensing and
regulations of athletic trainers. He stated that athletic
trainers were multi-skilled, midlevel medical care
providers that provided a unique combination of injury and
illness treatment, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.
Athletic trainers were similar to nurse practitioners,
midwives, physician assistants, neuropathic physicians, and
physical therapists. He stressed that all of those
positions were licensed in Alaska, in order to provide
immunity for health care providers. Certification was
provided through the National Organization of National
Athletic Trainers Association. There were specific
requirements before certification was issued: 1) mandatory
post-secondary degree; 2) formal instructions in extensive
basic and applied sciences; 3) specific professional
content; and 4) comprehensive national examination through
the Board of Certification Inc. He stated that HB 160 would
require people using the title "Athletic Trainer" who were
working cooperatively under the supervision of a doctor to
be licensed. Alaska was one of two states that did not
currently license athletic trainers. Athletic trainers in
Alaska asked for the legislation, because they understood
the need to be licensed in order to be recognized as health
care providers. He urged the committee's support of the
legislation.
Vice-Chair Fairclough stated that her staff had met with
the sponsor's staff regarding the current language. She
felt that the legislation may have ramifications on school
districts and other athletic programs for children and
adults throughout the state. She wondered if that was the
intent of the legislation. Representative Thompson deferred
to Mr. Anderson.
BRODIE ANDERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE STEVE THOMPSON,
announced that he was working with the committee co-chairs'
staff to draft a committee substitute that would directly
address the concerns of fitness trainers and coaches, and
the relationship in an exemption.
Vice-Chair Fairclough thanked a constituent who had sent a
solution to the issue via email.
Co-Chair Meyer asked if Mr. Anderson was working with his
staff on the committee substitute. Mr. Anderson replied in
the affirmative.
3:14:30 PM
LYNNE YOUNG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA ATHLETIC TRAINERS
ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU, testified in support of the
legislation. She remarked that athletic trainers were
highly qualified, educated, and multi-skilled health
professionals who collaborate with and work under the
supervision of physicians. The services provided by
athletic trainers consist of prevention, emergency care,
clinical assessment, therapeutic intervention, and
rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
Individuals who want to become athletic trainers must have
a bachelor's degree at an accredited athletic training
university. Once the individual meets the requirement, they
were eligible to sit for the Board of Certification Inc.
exam. Upon completion of the exam, the individual would be
a certified athletic trainer. Once the individual was
certified, they must maintain their credentials by taking
50 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years in
addition to maintaining an emergency cardiac care course at
the professional rescuer level or above. The CEUs were
approved by the Board of Certification Inc., and ten of the
CEUs needed to be evidence-based medical courses.
Senator Bishop wondered if the CEUs could be conducted in
the state. Ms. Young replied that there were over 300
accredited universities to become athletic trainers, but
none of those universities were in Alaska. There were some
online courses and clinics in the state that provided
access to CEUs.
3:21:52 PM
Vice-Chair Fairclough asked if the licensure would get
different benefits from insurance providers and billing of
hours. Ms. Young replied that there was current outreach
through schools and universities, but did not directly bill
insurance providers. She furthered that there were some
athletic trainers that worked with physicians in the clinic
setting, and if they were used to assist the provider was
billed under "Incident 2." She explained that the specific
in that bill was parallel with medical assistants, etc. She
stated that athletic trainers had a national provider
identifier that allowed them codes regarding billing for
rehabilitation.
Vice-Chair Fairclough wondered if the law to license would
affect the billable hours. Ms. Young responded that the
licensure would be recognized as a health care
professional, but have no other association.
LEEANNE CAROTHERS, PRESIDENT, ALASKA PHYSICAL THERAPY
ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU, stated that she supported licensure of
health care providers for the protection of the public, she
announced some concerns with the bill. She looked at the
use of the word "rehabilitation" in the proposed scope of
practice and in definitions in Sections 8.07.030(d) and
08.07.090(4). She felt that use of the word
"rehabilitation" would have potential to cause consumer
confusion. She stated that physical therapists were
currently considered the most qualified practitioners for
rehabilitation. She suggested the inclusion of language
that specifically limited the role of the athletic trainers
to injuries sustained or exacerbated while participating in
a sport or sports-related activity, and/or was designated
for the purpose of returning the patient to athletic
participation. She also expressed concern of the use of
language with definitions as they pertain to illness. She
urged the inclusion of language that clarified that the
treatment of limited to injuries or conditions associated
with participation in sport. There were significant
differences in the education and training for athletic
trainers and physical therapists. The entry level degree
required for athletic trainers was a bachelor's degree and
the entry level degree for physical therapists was a
doctorate degree.
3:26:36 PM
Co-Chair Meyer felt that there would be changes to the bill
in a forthcoming committee substitute.
Co-Chair Meyer CLOSED public testimony.
Co-Chair Meyer looked at the fiscal note, and remarked that
the fiscal note may not cover the actual cost of the
legislation.
Vice-Chair Fairclough stated that the Legislation Budget
and Audit (LB&A) had created a joint subcommittee on the
issue.
CSHB 160(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.