Senate Bill No. 557
(By Senators D. Hall and Takubo)
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[Introduced February 23, 2015; referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources.]
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A BILL to amend and reenact §30-20A-1, §30-20A-2, §30-20A-3, §30-20A-4, §30-20A-5, §30-20A-6 and §30-20A-7 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend said article by adding thereto nine new sections, designated §30-20A-8, §30-20A-9, §30-20A-10, §30-20A-11, §30-20A-12, §30-20A-13, §30-20A-14, §30-20A-15 and §30-20A-16, all relating to licensing practice of athletic training; and providing criminal penalties.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That §30-20A-1, §30-20A-2, §30-20A-3, §30-20A-4, §30-20A-5, §30-20A-6 and §30-20A-7 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted; and that said article be amended by adding thereto nine new sections, designated §30-20A-8, §30-20A-9, §30-20A-10, §30-20A-11, §30-20A-12, §30-20A-13, §30-20A-14, §30-20A-15 and §30-20A-16 , all to read as follows:
ARTICLE 20A. ATHLETIC TRAINERS.
§30-20A-1. Unlawful acts.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to practice or offer to practice athletic training in this state without a license or permit issued under the provisions of this article, or advertise or use any title or description tending to convey the impression that they are an athletic trainer unless the person has been duly licensed or permitted under the provisions of this article, and the license or permit has not expired, been suspended or revoked.
(b) A business entity may not render any service or engage in any activity which, if rendered or engaged in by an individual, would constitute the practice of athletic training, except through a licensee or permittee.
(c) A person may not advertise or represent himself or herself as an "athletic trainer," "licensed athletic trainer," "certified athletic trainer," "athletic trainer certified," ".T.," "L.A.T.," "C.A.T.," and/or "ATC" or any words, abbreviations, titles or insignia that indicates, implies or represents that he or she is an athletic trainer, unless he or she is licensed by the board.
§30-20A-2. Applicable law.
The practices licensed under the provisions of this article and the Board of Physical Therapy are subject to article one of this chapter, the provisions of this article, and any rules promulgated hereunder.
§30-20A-3. Definitions.
As used in this article:
"Applicant" means any person making application for an original or renewal license to act as an athletic trainer under the provisions of this article.
"Board" means the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy established under article twenty of this chapter.
"BOC" means National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification.
"CAATE" means the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.
"License" means an athletic trainer license or license to act as an athletic trainer issued by the board under the provisions of this article.
"Licensee" means a person licensed as an athletic trainer under the provisions of this article.
"Athletic trainer" is an individual engaged in the practice of athletic training who holds a license under the provisions of this article.
"Athletic training" and "the practice of Athletic Training" means the care and services provided by a licensed athletic trainer as described under the provisions of this article.
"The practice of athletic training" does not include the practice of physical therapy, the practice of occupational therapy, the practice of medicine, the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery, the practice of chiropractic, or reconditioning of systemic, neurological or other conditions or diseases that are not within the professional preparation and education of a licensed athletic trainer.
"General Supervision" means referral by prescription to treat conditions for an athlete from a licensed doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, except that the physical presence of the supervising physician or podiatrist is not required if the supervising doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy or podiatrist is readily available for consultation by direct communication, radio, telephone, facsimile, telecommunication or other electronic means.
"Direct Supervision" means the licensed health care professional must be physically present and be able to intervene on behalf of the athletic training student and patient.
"Licensed Health Care Professional" means an individual who holds a current license to practice the discipline in the state and whose discipline provides direct patient care in a field that has direct relevancy to the practice and discipline of athletic training.
"Athletic Injury" means any injury sustained by an athlete that occurs during or as a result of the individual's participation in sports, games, recreation or exercise.
"Athlete" is a person who participates in sporting events conducted by an educational, professional, amateur or recreational athletic organization.
§30-20A-4. License to practice athletic training.
(a) To be eligible for a license to engage in the practice of athletic training, the applicant must:
(1) Be at least eighteen years of age;
(2) Submit an application in the form prescribed by the board;
(3) Submit a current certification, and be in good standing, with the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (BOC) prior to July 1, 2015;
(4) If subsequent to July 1, 2015, submit a current certification, and be in good standing, with the BOC and have as minimum passing score on the BOC exam as determined by legislative rule of the Board of Physical Therapy and is a graduate of an accredited institution as approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) (or successor organization);
(5) Pay the required fee.
(6) Not be an alcohol or drug abuser, as these terms are defined in section eleven, article one-a, chapter twenty-seven of this code: Provided, That an applicant in an active recovery process, which may, in the discretion of the board, be evidenced by participation in a twelve-step program or other similar group or process, may be considered;
(7) Not have been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction within ten years preceding the date of application for license which conviction remains unreversed;
(8) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in any jurisdiction if the offense for which he or she was convicted related to the practice of athletic training, which conviction remains unreversed; and
(9) Has fulfilled any other requirement specified by the board.
(b) An athletic trainer shall use the letters "LAT" immediately following his or her name and “ATC” credential to designate licensure under this article.
§30-20A-5. Scope of practice of an athletic trainer.
(a) The practice of athletic training is defined as the application of principles, methods and procedures for managing athletic injuries, which shall include the preconditioning, conditioning and reconditioning of an athlete who has suffered an athletic injury through the use of appropriate preventative and supportive devices, under the general supervision of a physician when working events conducted by an educational, amateur or professional athletic organization. Direct supervision is required when athletic training is practiced in all other settings. Athletic training also includes recognizing illness and referring to the appropriate medical professional and implementation of treatment pursuant to physician`s orders. Athletic training includes instruction to coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel and communities in the area of care and prevention of athletic injuries.
(b) The scope of work described herein shall not be construed as authorizing the reconditioning of neurologic injuries, conditions or disease.
§30-20A-6. License to practice athletic training from another jurisdiction.
(a) The board may issue a license to practice athletic training to an applicant who holds a valid license or other authorization to practice athletic training from another state, if the applicant:
(1) Holds a license or other authorization to practice athletic training in another state which was granted after completion of educational requirements substantially equivalent to those required in this state;
(2) Does not have charges pending against his or her license or other authorization to practice, and has never had a license or other authorization to practice revoked;
(3) Has paid the applicable fee;
(4) Is a citizen of the United States or is eligible for employment in the United States; and
(5) Has fulfilled any other requirement specified by the board.
(b) The board may issue a license to practice athletic training to an applicant who has been educated outside of the United States; however, the applicant must still sit for the BOC exam through the mutual recognition agreement and possess the ATC credential in order to practice as a licensed athletic trainer in West Virginia.
§30-20A-7. Temporary permits.
(a) Upon completion of the application and payment of the nonrefundable fees, the board may issue a temporary permit, for a period not to exceed ninety days, to an applicant to practice as an athletic trainer in this state, if the applicant has completed the educational requirements set out in this article.
(b) A temporary permit may be revoked by a majority vote of the board.
(c) An applicant may be issued only one temporary permit, and upon the expiration of the temporary permit, may not practice as an athletic trainer until he or she is fully licensed under the provisions of this article.
§30-20A-8. Renewal requirements.
(a) All persons regulated by this article shall annually or biannually before January 1, renew his or her license by completing a form prescribed by the board and submitting any other information required by the board.
(b) The board shall charge a fee for each renewal of a license and shall charge a late fee for any renewal not paid by the due date.
(c) The board shall require as a condition of renewal that each licensee complete continuing education pursuant to BOC requirements.
(d) A licensee may apply to renew his or her license by submitting an application for renewal in the form prescribed by the board and paying the renewal fee. The renewal application must be signed by the applicant.
(e) The board may deny an application for renewal for any reason which would justify the denial of an original application for a license.
(f) A renewal of license issued by the board is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
§30-20A-9. Delinquent and expired license requirements.
(a) If a license is not renewed when due, then the board shall automatically place the licensee on delinquent status.
(b) The fee for a person on delinquent status shall increase at a rate, determined by the board, for each month or fraction thereof that the renewal fee is not paid, up to a maximum of thirty-six months.
(c) Within thirty-six months of being placed on delinquent status, if a licensee wants to return to active practice, he or she must complete all the continuing education requirements and pay all the applicable fees as set by rule.
(d) After thirty-six months of being placed on delinquent status, a license is automatically placed on expired status and cannot be renewed. A person whose license has expired must reapply for a new license.
§30-20A-10. Inactive license requirements.
(a) A licensee who does not want to continue an active practice shall notify the board in writing and be granted inactive status.
(b) A person granted inactive status is not subject to the payment of any fee and may not practice athletic training in this state.
(c) When the person wants to return to the practice of athletic training the person shall submit an application for renewal along with all applicable fees as set by rule.
§30-20A-11. Exemptions from licensure.
(a) The following persons are exempt from licensing requirements under the provisions of this article:
(1) A person who practices athletic training pursuant to a course of study at an institution of higher learning and enrolled in a CAATE accredited athletic training program including, but not limited to, activities conducted at the institution of higher learning and activities conducted outside the institution if under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.
(2) A secondary school student under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer.
(3) An athletic trainer who is licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States or credentialed to practice athletic training in another country if that person is teaching, demonstrating or providing athletic training services in connection with teaching or participating in an educational seminar of no more than sixty calendar days in a calendar year;
(4) An athletic trainer who is licensed in another state if that person is consulting;
(5) An athletic trainer who is licensed in another jurisdiction, if that person by contract or employment is providing athletic training to individuals affiliated with or employed by established athletic teams, athletic organizations or performing arts companies temporarily practicing, competing or performing in the state for no more than sixty calendar days in a calendar year;
(6) An athletic trainer who is licensed in another jurisdiction who enters this state to provide athletic training during a declared local, state or national disaster or emergency. This exemption applies for no longer than sixty calendar days in a calendar year following the declaration of the emergency. The athletic trainer shall notify the board of his or her intent to practice;
(7) An athletic trainer licensed in another jurisdiction who is forced to leave his or her residence or place of employment due to a declared local, state or national disaster or emergency and due to the displacement seeks to practice as an athletic trainer. This exemption applies for no longer than sixty calendar days in a calendar year following the declaration of the emergency. The athletic trainer shall notify the board of their intent to practice; and
(8) Nothing contained in this article prohibits a person from practicing within his or her scope of practice as authorized by law.
§30-20A-12. Display of license.
(a) The board shall prescribe the form for a license and permit, and may issue a duplicate license or permit upon payment of a fee.
(b) Any person regulated by the article shall conspicuously display his or her license or permit at his or her principal business location.
§30-20A-13. Complaints; investigations; due process procedure; grounds for disciplinary action.
(a) The board may upon its own motion based on credible information, and shall upon the written complaint of any person, cause an investigation to be made to determine whether grounds exist for disciplinary action under this article or the legislative rules promulgated pursuant to this article.
(b) Upon initiation or receipt of the complaint, the board shall provide a copy of the complaint to the licensee or permittee.
(c) After reviewing any information obtained through an investigation, the board shall determine if probable cause exists that the licensee or permittee has violated subsection (g) of this section or rules promulgated pursuant to this article.
(d) Upon a finding that probable cause exists that the licensee or permittee has violated subsection (g) of this section or rules promulgated pursuant to this article, the board may enter into a consent decree or hold a hearing for the suspension or revocation of the license or permit or the imposition of sanctions against the licensee or permittee. Any hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(e) Any member of the board or the executive secretary of the board may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to obtain testimony and documents to aid in the investigation of allegations against any person regulated by the article.
(f) Any member of the board or its executive secretary may sign a consent decree or other legal document on behalf of the board.
(g) The board may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, deny or refuse to renew, suspend, restrict or revoke the license or permit of, or impose probationary conditions upon or take disciplinary action against, any licensee or permittee for any of the following reasons once a violation has been proven by a preponderance of the evidence:
(1) Obtaining a license or permit by fraud, misrepresentation or concealment of material facts;
(2) Being convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude;
(3) Being guilty of unprofessional conduct which placed the public at risk, as defined by legislative rule of the board;
(4) Intentional violation of a lawful order or legislative rule of the board;
(5) Having had a license or other authorization revoked or suspended, other disciplinary action taken, or an application for licensure or other authorization revoked or suspended by the proper authorities of another jurisdiction;
(6) Aiding or abetting unlicensed practice; or
(7) Engaging in an act while acting in a professional capacity which has endangered or is likely to endanger the health, welfare or safety of the public.
(h) For the purposes of subsection (g) of this section, effective July 1, 2015, disciplinary action may include:
(1) Reprimand;
(2) Probation;
(3) Restrictions;
(4) Administrative fine, not to exceed $1,000 per day per violation;
(5) Mandatory attendance at continuing education seminars or other training;
(6) Practicing under supervision or other restriction; or
(7) Requiring the licensee or permittee to report to the board for periodic interviews for a specified period of time.
(i) In addition to any other sanction imposed, the board may require a licensee or permittee to pay the costs of the proceeding.
§30-20A-14. Procedures for hearing; right of appeal.
(a) Hearings are governed by the provisions of section eight, article one of this chapter.
(b) The board may conduct the hearing or elect to have an administrative law judge conduct the hearing.
(c) If the hearing is conducted by an administrative law judge, at the conclusion of a hearing he or she shall prepare a proposed written order containing findings of fact and conclusions of law. The proposed order may contain proposed disciplinary actions if the board so directs. The board may accept, reject or modify the decision of the administrative law judge.
(d) Any member or the executive secretary of the board has the authority to administer oaths, examine any person under oath and issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum.
(e) If, after a hearing, the board determines the licensee or permittee has violated provisions of this article or the board's rules, a formal written decision shall be prepared which contains findings of fact, conclusions of law and a specific description of the disciplinary actions imposed.
§30-20A-15. Judicial review.
Any licensee or permittee adversely affected by a decision of the board entered after a hearing may obtain judicial review of the decision in accordance with section four, article five, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, and may appeal any ruling resulting from judicial review in accordance with article six, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code.
§30-20A-16. Criminal proceedings; penalties.
(a) When, as a result of an investigation under this article or otherwise, the board has reason to believe that a licensee or permittee has committed a criminal offense under this article, the board may bring its information to the attention of an appropriate law-enforcement official.
(b) A person violating section one of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $5,000 or confined in jail not more than six months, or both fined and confined.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to rewrite the law governing athletic trainers. Athletic trainers would be licensed rather than registered as under current law.
Article 20A of Chapter 30 has been completely rewritten; therefore, strike-throughs and underscoring have been omitted.