HB1213
To Amend The Arkansas Athletic Trainers Act; To Clarify The Definition Of "athlete"; And To Define "healthcare Provider" Regarding Student Athlete Concussion Education.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to existing Arkansas law concerning athletic trainers and student athlete concussion education. It seeks to clarify the definition of "athlete" within the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Act to encompass a broader range of organized athletic activities, including interscholastic, intramural, intercollegiate, professional, and sanctioned recreational sports, as well as activities related to tactical duty. Additionally, the bill aims to define "healthcare provider" specifically for the context of student athlete concussion education. The Department of Health would be tasked with developing concussion protocols and providing an updated list of healthcare providers to the Arkansas Activities Association. These changes intend to standardize concussion education and better define the roles and supervision requirements for athletic trainers in various settings. The amendments also specify conditions under which athletic trainers can practice under the direction or supervision of physicians and physical therapists in different clinical and non-clinical environments.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
This bill is primarily intended to benefit student athletes by potentially enhancing concussion education and protocols through clearer definitions of "athlete" and "healthcare provider." Organizations involved in youth athletics, such as schools and sports leagues, may also benefit from clearer guidelines on concussion management and the types of professionals who can be involved. Licensed athletic trainers, physicians, physical therapists, and other listed healthcare providers could benefit from the clarified definitions of their roles and supervisory relationships, potentially leading to more consistent practice standards and improved patient care within the scope of athletic training.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill does not explicitly identify groups that would be negatively impacted. However, entities or individuals who operate outside the defined scope of "youth athletic activity" or the clarified definitions of "athlete" and "healthcare provider" might see their current practices or interpretations challenged. This could include informal sports groups or providers not recognized under the amended definitions. Furthermore, any entities that rely on a broader or different interpretation of these terms for their operations might need to adapt to the new legal framework outlined in the bill.