The 2020 Sunset Review conducted by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) recommends sunsetting the regulation of athletic trainers.

 

The Review misses the mark.

• Athletic trainers are educated and trained health care professionals.

• Athletic trainers are often first responders for athletes.

• 49 states regulate athletic trainers. (See map below)

 

Colorado athletic trainers meet all the requirements for licensure identified for the sunrise/sunset process outlined in legislation.

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DORA uses the fact that there has been little disciplinary action in the past as a reason to sunset the program. The lack of disciplinary action is a result of a good licensure program. California, where there is no regulation, is the home of numerous cases of pedophilia by athletic trainers.

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Athletic trainers are valued members of the health care team who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses in a variety of practice settings, including:

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• Athletics/Sports

  • Professional

  • Colleges and Universities

  • Public & private Schools/Clubs

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• Clinical settings

  • Physician Offices

  • Rehabilitation Clinics

  • Hospitals

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Many orthopedic clinics and hospital orthopedic departments use athletic trainers in lieu of other health care providers.

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It is important that Colorado patients/athletes who put themselves in the care of athletic trainers know that athletic trainers are educated, trained, and qualified to provide health care services.

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Colorado athletic trainers have been regulated in Colorado since 2009. In 2019 the legislature increased athletic trainer’s regulation to licensure. Many members of the current legislature on both aisles supported licensure with a 59-4-1 vote in the House and a 26-9 vote in the Senate.