H.B. No. 2495
AN ACT
relating to the requirements to obtain or renew an athletic trainer
license.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 38.158(b) and (e), Education Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(b) The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shall
require [approve for] athletic trainers to obtain continuing
education [training courses] in the subject matter of concussions
[and shall maintain an updated list of individuals and
organizations authorized by the board to provide the training].
(e) For purposes of Subsection (c):
(1) a coach must take a course described by Subsection
(a);
(2) an athletic trainer must take[:
[(A) a course described by Subsection (b); or
[(B)] a course concerning the subject matter of
concussions that meets the [has been approved for] continuing
education requirements set [credit] by the Texas Department of
Licensing and Regulation under Subsection (b) [appropriate
licensing authority for the profession]; and
(3) a school nurse or licensed health care
professional, other than an athletic trainer, must take:
(A) a course described by Subsection (a) or (b);
or
(B) a course concerning the subject matter of
concussions that has been approved for continuing education credit
by the appropriate licensing authority for the profession.
SECTION 2. Section 451.101(a-1), Occupations Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a-1) The department shall:
(1) [adopt an official seal;
[(2)] prescribe the application form for a license
applicant;
(2) [(3)] prescribe a suitable form for a license
certificate;
(3) [(4)] prepare and conduct an examination for
license applicants; and
(4) [(5)] maintain a complete record of all licensed
athletic trainers[; and
[(6) annually prepare a roster showing the names and
addresses of all licensed athletic trainers].
SECTION 3. Section 451.153, Occupations Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 451.153. APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS. (a) An applicant
for an athletic trainer license must:
(1) have met the athletic training curriculum
requirements of a college or university approved by the commission
and give proof of graduation; or
(2) hold a degree or certificate in physical therapy
and have completed:
(A) a basic athletic training course from an
accredited college or university; and
(B) an apprenticeship described by Subsection
(b)[; or
[(3) have a degree in corrective therapy with at least
a minor in physical education or health that includes a basic
athletic training course and meet the apprenticeship requirement or
any other requirement established by the commission].
(b) The apprenticeship required to be completed by an
applicant consists of 720 hours completed in two years under the
direct supervision of a licensed athletic trainer acceptable to the
department. [Actual working hours include a minimum of 20 hours a
week during each fall semester.]
SECTION 4. Section 451.156, Occupations Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 451.156. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSE ISSUANCE. An
applicant for an athletic trainer license is entitled to receive
the license if the applicant:
(1) satisfies the requirements of Section 451.153 [or
451.154];
(2) passes the examination required by the department;
and
(3) pays the required license fee.
SECTION 5. Section 451.157(a), Occupations Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) The department may issue a temporary license to an
applicant if the applicant satisfies:
(1) the requirements of Section 451.153 [or 451.154];
and
(2) any other requirement established by the
commission.
SECTION 6. Section 451.154, Occupations Code, is repealed.
SECTION 7. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2495 was passed by the House on May 6,
2023, by the following vote: Yeas 124, Nays 10, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2495 was passed by the Senate on May
23, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor