Governor Parson Signs HB 2046

On July 6, 2020, Governor Parson signed HB 2046, which expands license reciprocity in the state of Missouri. With the signing of this bill, it also updates the Athletic Training practice act, which had not been amended since 1983.  The Past-President of Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association (MoATA), Karen Fennell, remarked, “This is a monumental accomplishment for the licensed Athletic Trainers in Missouri and the patients they serve.  The language now properly reflects who we are as health care professionals, and our role in the care of the physically active patient. A special thank you goes out to Senator Lincoln Hough, (R) Springfield, who sponsored our original bill this session and his support over the last two years and Representative Grier, (R) St. Louis, for including our language in his license reciprocity bill. Our organization would also like to thank Dale Amick, our long time lobbyist, our supervising physicians and their member organizations for their support and input on language, and finally, the National Athletic Trainers' Association for their guidance through this process.” This was a true grassroots effort by the MoATA membership that represented a nearly decade’s long process. The language now is much more reflective of our current practice and contemporary education. A key aspect of the new practice act is a more accurate reflection of our patient population, which can expand areas of practice.  Current MoATA President, Rob Carmichael, added, “This new language should really help Athletic Trainers in Missouri who are employed in settings outside of the athletics environment by redefining our patient population and setting the stage for third party reimbursement efforts.” 

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For more information, contact Christy Tapps, MoATA PR Chair, at ctapps@nwmissouri.edu