Bill > HB1868

This bill establishes a matching grant program administered by the Washington State Department of Health to help critical access hospitals (small, rural hospitals that provide essential healthcare services) hire licensed athletic trainers who will provide free services to local school district students. Under this program, the department will provide up to $60,000 in matching funds to critical access hospitals that can demonstrate they have dedicated funds to pay an athletic trainer's salary. The grant funding can be used for the athletic trainer's salary, medical supplies and equipment, and educational marketing about the program. Hospitals applying for the grant must document the specific school districts they will serve, their need for athletic trainer access, how they will spend the grant funds, and their ability to provide matching funds. A hospital that receives a grant cannot apply for another grant within 12 months. By June 1, 2026, the department must submit a report to legislative committees about the program's implementation. The bill requires the department to establish application criteria and may adopt rules to implement the program, with the ultimate goal of expanding athletic trainer services in schools, particularly in rural areas.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1868&Year=2025&Initiative=false