HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 151

(By Delegates Westfall, Ashley, Campbell, Bates, Rodighiero,

                                     P. Smith, Espinosa, Butler, L. Phillips, Ferro and Ellington)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Health authorize a study on the licensure of athletic trainers.

            Whereas, Athletic trainers are required to register with the Board of Physical Therapy in order to practice in this state; and

            Whereas, With advances in sports medicine and the increasing encouragement of citizens to participate in sports and other physical activity to promote health and well being, it is important that athletic trainers have proper training and education; and

            Whereas, The Legislature is committed to protecting the public through the appropriate regulation of professions and occupations; and

            Whereas, After five years of requiring the registration of athletic trainers, it is appropriate for the Legislature to evaluate the effectiveness of such regulation and consider any revision which should be made to the law governing athletic trainers; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Joint Committee on Health is hereby requested to study the licensure of athletic trainers; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Health report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2016, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study and to prepare and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.