TITLE health-services

Part I. Texas Department of Health

Chapter 313. Athletic Trainers

Subchapter A. General Guidelines and Requirements

25 TAC §313.5, §313.13

The Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers (board) adopts amendments to §§313.5 and 313.13 concerning the regulation and licensure of athletic trainers without changes to the proposed text as published in the June 18, 1999 issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 4528), and therefore the sections will not be republished.

The sections are amended to increase the educational requirements for licensure from a baccalaureate or a post-baccalaureate degree which includes 15 hours of college or university academic credit in topics related to athletic training to a baccalaureate or a post-baccalaureate degree which includes 24 hours of college or university academic credit in topics related to athletic training effective September 1, 2004; to provide continuing education credit for athletic trainers who serve as skill examiners at the state licensure examination; and to provide continuing education credit for athletic trainers who publish a book or an article in a peer review journal relating to athletic training or sports medicine.

The sections are amended to further protect and promote public health in this state by ensuring that the regulation of athletic trainers continues to identify competent providers. Section 9(1) of Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512d states that one of the qualifications for a license is that the applicant must meet "the athletic training curriculum requirements of a college or university approved by the board." The amendments to the educational requirements for licensure are intended to fully reflect the domains and competencies of athletic training practice in the course work requirements and to enhance the knowledge of entry-level athletic trainers. The continuing education amendments will recognize additional athletic training activities which enhance the knowledge and professionalism of licensed athletic trainers.

No comments were received during the comment period concerning the proposed amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512d, §5(a), which provides the board with the authority to adopt rules consistent with the Act which are necessary for the performance of its duties and under §5(c), which provides the board with the authority to establish guidelines, which may include requirements for continuing education, for athletic trainers in the state.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 6, 1999.

TRD-9904850

Michael Daniel Saly

Chair

Texas Department of Health

Effective date: August 26, 1999

Proposal publication date: June 18, 1999

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