SB 1149 - This act establishes the Athletic Trainers Compact ("Compact"), which facilitates the interstate practice of athletic training and provides for athletic trainers licensed in a participating state the ability to practice in other participating states. The Compact sets forth the requirements to be met in order for a state to join and maintain membership in the Compact. Additionally, the Compact provides the requirements for an athletic trainer to obtain and exercise the ability to practice in the remote participating states. The Compact further provides that an athletic trainer with compact privilege shall function within the scope of practice of the state in which the patient is located and the remote practicing state. The athletic trainers also shall be subject to that remote state's regulatory authority. Participating states shall report any adverse action and significant investigative information to the Compact Data System. An adverse action against an athletic trainer in any participating state shall result in deactivation of the compact privilege during the pendency of the action. An encumbered license in a member state shall not be entitled to compact privilege until the encumbrance has passed and has exceeded two years since any encumbrance or restriction. Additionally, the Compact creates the Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact Commission ("Commission"), which is a joint government agency to administer and implement the Compact, and provides for its powers and duties. Each participating state shall be entitled to one delegate, who shall be selected within sixty days of the effective date, on the Commission. Additionally, there shall be an Executive Committee of the Commission to act on behalf of the Commission. Furthermore, the Compact shall come into effect on the date in which the seventh state enacts the Compact into law. Any participating state may withdraw from the Compact by repealing the Compact, but such withdrawal shall not take effect until 180 days after the enactment of the repeal. Finally, the Compact shall be binding upon participating states and shall supersede any conflict with state law. This act is identical to a provision in SCS/HB 1961 (2026) and a provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed SS/HCS/HB 2974 (2026), and is substantially similar to provisions in HB 1844 (2026) and in HCS/HB 2300 (2026). KATIE O'BRIEN

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jamie Burger

Missouri joins interstate compact allowing licensed athletic trainers to practice across member states without individual state licenses, enhancing workforce mobility and access to sports medicine professionals.

Voted Do Pass S Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1149 establishes the Athletic Trainers Compact, which is an interstate agreement allowing athletic trainers licensed in one member state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. This compact creates a streamlined, reciprocal licensing system administered by a governing commission of representatives from participating states.

Why is this important

The compact addresses workforce mobility and access to athletic training services across state lines. For athletic trainers, it reduces regulatory burden and allows easier career relocation. For states and organizations, it improves access to qualified professionals for schools, sports teams, and healthcare facilities, particularly in states with shortages of licensed athletic trainers.

Potential points of contention

Scope of practice variation: Different states have different rules about what athletic trainers can do (e.g., some allow certain treatments others don't), creating tension between uniform compact standards and state-specific regulations

Accountability and consumer protection: Coordinating discipline and complaints across multiple states could complicate enforcement and patient redress if issues arise

Economic impact on local practitioners: Some existing athletic trainers may worry about increased competition from out-of-state practitioners entering their market more easily