TITLE 25.HEALTH SERVICES

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Chapter 313. ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Subchapter A. GENERAL GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS

25 TAC §§313.1 - 313.17

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Department of Health or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers (board) proposes the repeal of §§313.1 - 313.17, concerning the licensure and regulation of athletic trainers.

The sections are presently adopted under 25 Texas Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 313 titled "Athletic Trainers." The sections are being proposed for adoption as new sections under 22 Texas Administrative Code, Part 40, Chapter 871. The repeal and republication is necessary to move the sections to a more appropriate location in the Texas Administrative Code.

Government Code, §2001.039, requires that each state agency review and consider for readoption each rule adopted by that agency pursuant to the Government Code, Chapter 2001 (Administrative Procedure Act). Sections 313.1 - 313.17 have been reviewed and the board has determined that reasons for adopting the sections continue to exist in that rules on this subject are needed; however, these rules will be repealed in 25 Texas Administrative Code and proposed as new sections in 22 Texas Administrative Code.

Revisions were necessary for several reasons. The new sections have been revised to reflect changes in the statute; to clarify and simplify the rules; to correct citations; to remove a standard first aid techniques course from acceptable continuing education; and to require a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course and an automated external defibrillation course during each continuing education reporting period, but to not allow them to count toward the required continuing education hours needed to renew the license. The board finds that the reasons for adopting the rules continue to exist and proposes to readopt these rules with changes.

Additionally, the revisions are necessary to implement House Bill 2985, 78th Legislature, 2003, which added Occupations Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter G, which establishes the Office of Patient Protection within the Health Professions Council and requires additional fees to fund it; Senate Bill 1152, 78th Legislature, 2003, which amended Government Code, Chapter 2054, to require participation in Texas Online; House Bill 2292, 78th Legislative Session, 2003, which revised Health and Safety Code, §12.0111 and §12.0112, and requires two-year licenses effective January 1, 2005; Senate Bill 161, 78th Legislature, 2003, which amends Occupations Code, Chapter 451, relating to emergency suspensions; and to include language relating to the failure to comply with the terms of a court order relating to the possession of, or access to, a child in accordance with the requirement of Texas Family Code, Chapter 232 (relating to Suspension of License).

The board submitted a Notice of Intent to Review for the sections in accordance with Government Code, §2001.039, agency review of rules. The notice was published in the August 29, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 7424). No comments were received as a result of the publication of this notice.

Heather Muehr, Program Director, Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers, has determined that for each of the first five years the repeals are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeals as proposed.

Ms. Muehr has also determined that for each of the first five years the repeal is in effect, the public benefit as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal will be to insure the appropriate regulation of athletic trainers. There will be no fiscal impact to micro-businesses, small businesses, or persons who are required to comply with the repeals. There is no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Heather Muehr, Program Director, Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas, 78756, (512) 834-6615, or Heather.Muehr@tdh.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following the date of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register . The rules are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2004.

The repeals are proposed under the Occupations Code, §451.103, which authorizes the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers to adopt rules necessary for the performance of its duties.

The repeals affect Occupations Code, Chapter 451. The review of the rules implements Government Code, §2001.039.

§313.1.Definitions.

§313.2.Scope of Practice.

§313.3.The Board's Operation.

§313.4.Petition for Rulemaking.

§313.5.Processing Applications.

§313.6.Fees.

§313.7.Qualifications.

§313.8.Student Athletic Trainer Activities.

§313.9.Examination for Licensure.

§313.10.Temporary License.

§313.11.License Renewal.

§313.12.Continuing Education Requirements.

§313.13.Guidelines for Conduct.

§313.14.Violations, Complaints, and Disciplinary Actions.

§313.15.Licensing of Persons with Criminal Backgrounds to be Athletic Trainers.

§313.16.Formal Hearings.

§313.17.Suspension of License for Failure to Pay Child Support.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 24, 2004.

TRD-200403488

Natalie Steadman

Chair, Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers

Texas Department of Health

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 4, 2004

For further information, please call: (512) 458-7236