Athletic trainers, advocates pushing for new licensure legislation

Albany, N.Y. – New legislation aims to create a change for athletic trainers in New York.

New York currently allows for certification of the profession. Athletic trainers and advocates say the new legislation would create a licensing procedure for these workers.

The original scope of practice for the profession was codified in the 1990s, and advocates say much has changed since then.

“A lot has happened over the course of nearly three decades, including many advances in the training, education and scope of work athletic trainers are competent to provide,” said Roy Flores of the New York State Athletic Trainers' Association. “Both our coursework and field practicum have evolved. Our scope needs to reflect such advances.”

The legislation, advocates say, would benefit both athletic trainers and consumers alike. In addition to adding a licensing process at the state level and updating New York’s guidance, it would also help guarantee athletes they are getting quality care.

Bud Carpenter, who served more than three decades with the Buffalo Bills as an athletic trainer, is a supporter of the new legislation.

“Athletic trainers are as professional as they could possibly get,” he said. “Nobody is more dedicated to the care of student athletes, of professional athletes, of college athletes than we are.”

“Certification is great,” he continued, “but licensure gives us that next step. We are as professional as there is. Talk to the physicians that work with us day in and day out. We’re like a physician’s assistant, but we don’t want to play doctor. We’re there to triage and then prepare that athlete to get back as safely as possible.”

New York is among only four states in the U.S. that doesn’t require athletic trainers to be licensed.

Two separate bills have been submitted in the State Senate and Assembly, respectively, on the matter.