Bill > HB1185

This bill establishes a Rural Athletic Trainer Support Program to address healthcare provider shortages in rural communities by providing financial support to athletic trainers who commit to working in schools located in rural areas. The program will offer grants that cover two primary allowable expenses: a monthly living expenses stipend and full tuition remission for an accredited athletic training program in Indiana. A new Rural Athletic Trainer Support Fund will be created, funded through state appropriations, grants, and donations, to support the program. To be eligible, athletic trainers must apply through the state department, commit to working in a rural school (defined as a community with 50,000 or fewer residents or designated as rural) for at least two years, and be graduating from or on track to graduate from an accredited Indiana athletic training program. If an athletic trainer fails to complete their two-year service commitment, they will be required to repay all allowable expenses received. The Indiana Department of Health, in consultation with the Indiana State Office of Rural Health, will develop the grant criteria and administer the program, with the goal of incentivizing athletic trainers to serve in underserved rural communities.

Health and Social Services

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1185/details