Bill > HB5270

This bill mandates that all public high schools in West Virginia must employ at least one full-time, licensed athletic trainer for each high school that participates in organized sports, ROTC, or performing arts, ensuring healthcare for all student-athletes regardless of gender or activity. These athletic trainers must be licensed by the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy and will be responsible for specialized health procedures, including concussion evaluations and management, musculoskeletal injury care, and addressing acute illnesses or environmental conditions affecting student participation. The bill also clarifies that these licensed athletic trainers will oversee compliance with various West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) policies related to student safety, such as concussion protocols, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) requirements, and emergency action plans for sports. County boards have the flexibility to directly hire these trainers using their annual budgets, levy funds, or COVID CARES ACT money, or they can contract with healthcare facilities or universities for these services.