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SB 502

Athletic Trainers - As introduced, expands the scope of practice for athletic trainers by authorizing them to treat conditions that limit or prevent a person's participation in certain physical activities rather than just treating injuries that limit or prevent such participation; clarifies the description of athletic trainers to include healthcare providers and establishes new procedures that may be utilized by athletic trainers in the delivery of health care. - Amends TCA Title 63, Chapter 24.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ferrell Haile

Tennessee bill expands athletic trainers' authority to treat activity-limiting conditions beyond injuries and authorizes new healthcare procedures without specifying supervision requirements or procedure definitions.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
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Bill Summary · SB 502

Legislative bill overview

SB 502 expands Tennessee's definition of athletic trainer scope of practice to include treating conditions that limit or prevent physical activity participation, not just injuries causing such limitations. The bill also officially designates athletic trainers as healthcare providers and authorizes new treatment procedures in their professional practice.

Why is this important

This change could improve access to sports medicine and physical activity-related care by allowing athletic trainers to address preventive and conditioning issues directly. It may reduce wait times for certain treatments and clarify the professional standing of athletic trainers in Tennessee's healthcare system, though it also raises questions about oversight and insurance coverage.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope creep concerns: Expanding from "injury treatment" to "conditions limiting activity" is broadly worded and could allow athletic trainers to treat conditions outside traditional sports medicine without clear boundaries
  • Physician oversight questions: The bill doesn't specify whether expanded procedures require physician supervision, collaboration requirements, or referral protocols, raising safety and liability concerns
  • Insurance and reimbursement ambiguity: Unclear whether insurance will cover these newly-authorized treatments or what regulatory framework governs "new procedures" athletic trainers may utilize

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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