BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 374
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 374 (Hayashi)
As Amended May 27, 2011
Majority vote
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS 8-0 APPROPRIATIONS 11-5
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|Ayes:|Hayashi, Bill Berryhill, |Ayes:|Fuentes, Blumenfield, |
| |Allen, Butler, Eng, | |Bradford, Charles |
| |Hagman, Hill, Ma | |Calderon, Davis, Gatto, |
| | | |Hall, Hill, Lara, |
| | | |Mitchell, Solorio |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | |Nays:|Harkey, Donnelly, |
| | | |Nielsen, Norby, Wagner |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Establishes a title act for athletic trainers (ATs).
Specifically, this bill :
1)Prohibits an individual from holding himself or herself out as
an AT unless he or she meets the following requirements:
a) He or she has either:
i) Graduated from a college or university after
completing an athletic training education program
accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic
Training Education, or its predecessors or successors;
or,
ii) Completed requirements for certification by the
Board of Certification, Inc., prior to January 1, 2004;
and,
b) Been certified by the Board of Certification, Inc.
2)Declares an unfair business practice, as specified, for any
person to use the title of "AT" or "certified athletic
trainer" or any other term, such as "licensed," "registered,"
or "ATC," that implies or suggests that the person is
certified as an AT, if the person does not meet the
AB 374
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requirements above.
EXISTING LAW provides for the regulation of various healing arts
professions and vocations.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations
Committee, negligible direct state impact.
COMMENTS : According to the author, "Athletic Trainers (ATs) are
highly trained allied health professionals, specializing in the
prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of muscle
and bone injuries and illnesses.
"Although many high school and college sports teams already
employ ATs, and several California State University campuses
offer bachelor degrees in athletic training, California is one
of only 3 states that do not regulate this vital and growing
profession. ATs should not be confused with fitness trainers or
personal trainers, who are not healthcare workers. Without
state oversight, the public could be harmed by relying on
someone who calls themselves an AT without the appropriate
background."
ATs help prevent and treat injuries for people of all ages.
Their patients and clients include everyone from professional
athletes to industrial workers. Recognized by the American
Medical Association as allied health professionals, ATs, are one
of the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries
occur, must be able to recognize, evaluate, and assess injuries
and provide immediate care when needed. ATs may work under the
direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other
healthcare providers.
ATs are distinctly different from "trainers." A personal
trainer is an individual who prescribes, monitors, and changes
an individual's specific exercise program in a fitness or sports
setting.
In 2009, 47 States required ATs to be licensed or registered,
which includes certification from the Board of Certification,
Inc. (BOC). For BOC certification, ATs need a bachelor's or
master's degree from an accredited athletic training program and
pass a comprehensive examination. To retain certification,
credential holders must continue taking medical-related courses
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and adhere to the BOC standards of practice. In Alaska,
California, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia where
licensure is not required, certification is voluntary.
Employment of ATs is projected to grow 37% from 2008 to 2018
because of their role in preventing injuries and reducing
healthcare costs. In some states, there are efforts underway to
have an AT in every high school to work with student-athletes,
which may lead to growth in the number of ATs employed in high
schools. In addition, as more young athletes specialize in
certain sports, there is increasing demand for ATs to deal with
repetitive stress injuries.
Analysis Prepared by : Marina Wiant / B.,P. & C.P. / (916)
319-3301
FN: 0001047