Bill > S1541

This bill makes several amendments to existing Massachusetts laws related to athletic trainers and public school sports safety. In Section 1 and Section 2, the bill adds the word "athletic" before the word "coaches" in existing statutes, likely to provide more specificity. Section 3 expands the list of individuals who can provide head injury safety training by explicitly including licensed athletic trainers, who must complete an annual head injury safety training as required by state regulations (105 CMR 201.007). Section 4 removes a restrictive clause in the legal definition of "athletic trainer" that previously limited their practice to schools, teams, or organizations with which they are associated, thereby broadening the potential scope of their professional work. Section 5 requires the board of allied health professions to review and update applicable rules and regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment, ensuring that the legal changes are properly integrated into existing regulatory frameworks. Overall, the bill appears aimed at clarifying and expanding the professional role and capabilities of athletic trainers in Massachusetts, particularly in educational and sports-related settings.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1541