Luzerne Times

Athletic trainers in Pennsylvania can now provide a broader range of health care services due to legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).

“The science behind preventing, diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating athletic injuries has advanced remarkably. Athletic trainers are the front-line workers in this arena,” Baker stated. “These bills represent a solid team effort to make sure that athletic trainers are sufficiently prepared and afforded the scope of practice to best ensure the health and competitiveness of our athletes and those involved in other activities.”

Senate Bills 559 and 560 – now Acts 83 and 84 of 2024 – permit athletic trainers to perform specific invasive procedures under a written protocol with a licensed physician, reflecting advancements in education, knowledge, skills, and training over the past two decades.

Changes include adding members of the performing arts, military personnel, and recreationally active individuals to those whom athletic trainers can treat. The laws also clarify certain procedures that athletic trainers are authorized to perform, some of which are lifesaving.

The new laws aim to retain graduates, support job creation, ensure quality patient care for physically active residents of all ages, and provide qualified medical professionals an opportunity to help address the current healthcare crisis.

“We are grateful for the group effort to get this accomplished,” said Dr. Nicole Cattano, Past President of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society. “Our members demonstrate the valuable role athletic trainers play in healthcare daily. It is a ‘greAT’ day in the commonwealth.”

For more information about the profession and PA Athletic Trainers’ Society, visit www.gopats.org.

CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson

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