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House approves athletic trainer licensure bill after narrow drafting changes
Summary
Lawmakers amended and passed H.B. 74 to establish a licensure system for athletic trainers, with proponents arguing it protects student athletes and opponents raising scope and oversight questions; amendments addressed UMA concerns and clarified exclusions.
The Utah House passed H.B. 74, the Athletic Trainer Licensing Act, which creates licensing requirements and a governing board for athletic trainers.
Representative Paul Ray, sponsor, said the bill sets standards to ensure trainers working with children and student athletes are qualified and that the measure addresses public-safety gaps where untrained individuals call themselves athletic trainers. An amendment accepted on the floor tightened language to satisfy concerns raised by the Utah Medical Association about scope of practice and to clarify that personal/fitness trainers are not covered.
Members questioned whether schools would be required to hire licensed athletic trainers; the sponsor said no, the bill does not mandate hiring but clarifies titles and scope and enhances consumer awareness. Sponsors emphasized national certification and board oversight, and proponents noted other states have similar licensure frameworks.
After discussion and adoption of the floor amendment, the House voted to pass the bill; the Chair recorded 64 yes and 6 no votes. The bill will be referred to the Senate.
