BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �



                                                                  AB 374
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   May 18, 2011

                        ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                                Felipe Fuentes, Chair

                    AB 374 (Hayashi) - As Amended:  May 11, 2011 

          Policy Committee:                              Business and 
          Professions  Vote:                            8-0

          Urgency:     No                   State Mandated Local Program: 
          No     Reimbursable:              No

           SUMMARY  

          This bill establishes a practice act for athletic trainers.  
          Specifically, this bill:

          1)Establishes the Athletic Trainer Licensing Committee 
            (Committee) within the Medical Board of California (Board) to 
            license and regulate athletic trainers (ATs), commencing 
            January 1, 2013 and sunsetting on January 1, 2018.

          2)Specifies the scope of practice of athletic trainers and 
            prohibits unlicensed personnel from using the title or 
            engaging in athletic training with certain exceptions, as 
            specified. 

          3)Establishes educational requirements and other provisions 
            governing licensure.

          4)Establishes the Athletic Trainers Account in the Contingent 
            Fund of the Medical Board of California and requires fees to 
            be deposited in this account and used to support the licensure 
            program, upon appropriation by the Legislature.  

           
          FISCAL EFFECT  

          Estimated costs of $400,000 in the first year and $350,000 
          annual ongoing to the Medical Board to establish a licensure 
          program.  


           COMMENTS  








                                                                  AB 374
                                                                  Page  2


           Rationale.   According to the author's office, athletic trainers 
          (ATs) are highly trained allied health professionals, 
          specializing in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and 
          rehabilitation of muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.  
          Currently, a national certification exists, but it is voluntary 
          in California.  Without state oversight, the public could be 
          harmed by relying on someone who calls themselves an AT without 
          the appropriate background.  
           
           Analysis Prepared by  :    Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081