Representative Mike Smith presents bill to join interstate athletic-training compact; trainers and association testify in support

Representative Mike Smith introduced House Bill 285 to the Senate Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee, proposing that Delaware adopt an interstate licensure compact for athletic trainers so credentialed practitioners can practice across participating states.

The chair of the committee opened the session and turned the first item over to Representative Mike Smith, who said the compact mirrors compacts used for other health professionals and would reduce duplicative licensing. "If you're in the compact, you would then be able to participate in other states as an athletic trainer," Smith said, and noted that six states have already signed on and the compact becomes law once seven states join.

The bill’s advocates told the committee the compact would preserve state authority over licensure and discipline while improving workforce mobility and continuity of care. James Mousy, introduced himself as a licensed athletic trainer and chair of the examining board for physical therapy and athletic training, and urged support for HB 285. Mousy cited real-world continuity-of-care challenges: "Imagine a patient receiving athletic training services at the University of Delaware who goes home to another state for summer. The AT contact would include continuity of care for this and similar situations," he said, arguing that the compact would reduce administrative barriers and prevent interruptions in care for mobile patients.

Heather Heidel, president of the Delaware Athletic Trainers Association and a full-time athletic trainer at Sussex Technical High School, provided virtual testimony in support. "Simply put, House Bill 285 will make it easier for athletic trainers to do their jobs and for Delawareans to access the care they need," Heidel said, adding the compact maintains shared standards and communication between states while reducing duplicative licensing and continuing-education burdens.

Committee members and other legislators on the call expressed broad support for the bill in principle, highlighting roles athletic trainers play in schools, youth sports and workplace injury prevention. Several speakers noted ongoing efforts to restore a school block grant that could affect placement of athletic trainers in schools and emphasized trainers’ preventive and emergency roles.

No formal committee vote on HB 285 was recorded during this session. The meeting proceeded to public comment and then adjourned after a motion to adjourn was made and seconded.

Next steps: no action or vote on HB 285 was recorded at this meeting; the committee adjourned following public comment.