APTA-supported legislation that protects physical therapists (PTs) and other health care providers who travel across state lines with a sports team is now just a presidential signature away from becoming law. Known as the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, the bill met with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the US House of Representatives and the Senate, and is on track to receive approval from President Donald Trump.
When it becomes law the legislation will provide added legal protections for sports medicine professionals when they're traveling with professional, high school, college, or national sports teams by extending the provider's "home state" professional liability insurance to any other state the team may visit. The law would apply to licensed health care professionals who travel with professional and collegiate teams or other athletes and teams sanctioned by a national governing body. The bill was introduced in the House by Reps Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA), and in the Senate by Sens John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
"This is a big win for PTs, but an even bigger step forward in safeguarding the health of athletes," said Michael Matlack, APTA director of congressional affairs. "Once enacted, this law will help to support the realities of health care among teams that travel across state lines."
In its original form, the bill's coverage was restricted to only physicians and athletic trainers. Advocacy staff at APTA and representatives from the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) worked closely with legislators and staff to ensure PTs and PTAs working under the supervision of a PT would also be included. Once the bill was introduced, APTA and section representatives worked in conjunction with other stakeholder groups to ensure support from as many legislators as possible. The final version of the legislation passed the House easily in 2017, and it received approval from the Senate by a 93-6 margin on October 3.
"We are grateful not only for the support of the legislators who introduced this bill, but for the sustained hard work of APTA members and members of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy to help achieve overwhelming backing in Congress," said Jennica Sims, APTA's congressional affairs and grassroots specialist. "Our success with this legislation shows what happens when individual member voices are part of a collaborative advocacy effort."