Senate approves bill updating athletic trainer roles, concussion education and definition of "athlete"

Little Rock — The Arkansas State Senate on March 4 passed House Bill 1213, a measure updating the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Act to clarify who qualifies as an "athlete" for statutory purposes, define "health care provider" in student-athlete concussion education, and modernize the supervision rules for athletic trainers.

Sponsor explanation: Senator Jason Penzo, floor sponsor, said the bill "clarifies the definition of health care provider as it pertains to student concussion education" and expands the statutes definition of "athlete" to include injuries that occur outside organized competition (for example, weekend recreational injuries) and injuries that occur during training for police, fire and military personnel. Penzo also said the bill updates rules for athletic trainers working in physician offices so those trainers may work under a physicians direction or consultation when the physician is not physically onsite, which aligns with school-based training-room practice.

Why it matters: Sponsors said the change brings Arkansas into closer alignment with other states and removes confusion about which professionals may provide concussion education and return-to-play guidance. Supporters framed the bill as a modernization of practice rules that will help student-athletes and other people who sustain athletic injuries.

Vote and next steps: The roll call recorded 35 yeas and 0 nays. The bill passed the Senate and was returned to the House as amended.

Quote: "The updated definition of an athlete is related to an athletic injury regardless of if the injury occurs in an organized play," said Senator Jason Penzo, the floor sponsor.