New Bill, New Opportunities

In the state of Louisiana, certified athletic trainers have been anxiously awaiting the passing of HB 691, authored by Representative Broadwater. It was last scheduled to be heard in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Our student and staff athletic trainers were all encouraged and invited to show their support of this bill by attending the hearing and signing a green card to back this movement.  HB 691 includes many positive upgrades to the profession of athletic training, one proposed law stating that “Louisiana Athletic Trainers Law has the purpose of protecting the public, health, safety, and welfare by providing for the licensing and regulation of the practice of athletic trainers in the state.”  In March, athletic trainers were also added to bill HB 542, authored by Representative Willmott, which promoted CPR and automated external defibrillators to be integrated into the curriculum of an existing required course of study in public high schools.  This was a huge occurrence and movement for the profession of athletic training.  We are proud to support the Louisiana Athletic Trainers’ Association and are excited to promote the profession across the state.