HARRISBURG, PA — Two bills passed by the Pennsylvania senate would allow athletic trainers to offer a broader range of health care services than is now permitted.

Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), a sponsor of the bills, said the “invasive” procedures allowed by athletic trainers are subject to strict interpretation. This can hamper them from saving lives, such as using an epi-pen or administering a rescue inhaler or insulin. The bills clarify that, under a written protocol with a licensed physician, trainers can do blister and nail care, administer Naloxone, and inject certain medications.

The bills would also expand the definition of a physically active person to include anyone who participates in a sport, athletic competition, performing art, recreational activity, or military exercise. 

Baker says these bills will modernize the definitions used to represent the education and certification of athletic trainers. These services will continue to be administered under the guidance of a physician, she stressed. The PA Athletic Trainers’ Society and other healthcare groups and providers support the bills, which will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration, she said.

Gregory Janik, clinical professor and athletic trainer with the King’s College Athletic Training program, said the bills would increase access to health care in Pennsylvania “by better defining the populations and procedures that athletic trainers are educated to handle in their medical studies.”

Pennsylvania currently has 23 accredited athletic training programs, which is the highest in the nation. Baker said these updates will allow graduates to stay and work in the state.