H.B. No. 2495

	AN ACT
	relating to the requirements to obtain or renew an athletic trainer
	license.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Sections 38.158(b) and (e), Education Code, are
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shall
	require [approve for] athletic trainers to obtain continuing
	education [training courses] in the subject matter of concussions
	[and shall maintain an updated list of individuals and
	organizations authorized by the board to provide the training].
	(e)  For purposes of Subsection (c):
	(1)  a coach must take a course described by Subsection
	(a);
	(2)  an athletic trainer must take[:
	[(A) a course described by Subsection (b); or
	[(B)]  a course concerning the subject matter of
	concussions that meets the [has been approved for] continuing
	education requirements set [credit] by the Texas Department of
	Licensing and Regulation under Subsection (b) [appropriate
	licensing authority for the profession]; and
	(3)  a school nurse or licensed health care
	professional, other than an athletic trainer, must take:
	(A)  a course described by Subsection (a) or (b);
	or
	(B)  a course concerning the subject matter of
	concussions that has been approved for continuing education credit
	by the appropriate licensing authority for the profession.
	SECTION 2.  Section 451.101(a-1), Occupations Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a-1)  The department shall:
	(1)  [adopt an official seal;
	[(2)] prescribe the application form for a license
	applicant;
	(2) [(3)]  prescribe a suitable form for a license
	certificate;
	(3) [(4)]  prepare and conduct an examination for
	license applicants; and
	(4) [(5)]  maintain a complete record of all licensed
	athletic trainers[; and
	[(6)  annually prepare a roster showing the names and
	addresses of all licensed athletic trainers].
	SECTION 3.  Section 451.153, Occupations Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 451.153.  APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS. (a) An applicant
	for an athletic trainer license must:
	(1)  have met the athletic training curriculum
	requirements of a college or university approved by the commission
	and give proof of graduation; or
	(2)  hold a degree or certificate in physical therapy
	and have completed:
	(A)  a basic athletic training course from an
	accredited college or university; and
	(B)  an apprenticeship described by Subsection
	(b)[; or
	[(3) have a degree in corrective therapy with at least
	a minor in physical education or health that includes a basic
	athletic training course and meet the apprenticeship requirement or
	any other requirement established by the commission].
	(b)  The apprenticeship required to be completed by an
	applicant consists of 720 hours completed in two years under the
	direct supervision of a licensed athletic trainer acceptable to the
	department. [Actual working hours include a minimum of 20 hours a
	week during each fall semester.]
	SECTION 4.  Section 451.156, Occupations Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 451.156.  REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSE ISSUANCE. An
	applicant for an athletic trainer license is entitled to receive
	the license if the applicant:
	(1)  satisfies the requirements of Section 451.153 [or
	451.154];
	(2)  passes the examination required by the department;
	and
	(3)  pays the required license fee.
	SECTION 5.  Section 451.157(a), Occupations Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  The department may issue a temporary license to an
	applicant if the applicant satisfies:
	(1)  the requirements of Section 451.153 [or 451.154];
	and
	(2)  any other requirement established by the
	commission.
	SECTION 6.  Section 451.154, Occupations Code, is repealed.
	SECTION 7.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
	a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
	provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
	Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
	Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
	______________________________	______________________________
	President of the Senate	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.B. No. 2495 was passed by the House on May 6,
	2023, by the following vote:  Yeas 124, Nays 10, 2 present, not
	voting.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House
	I certify that H.B. No. 2495 was passed by the Senate on May
	23, 2023, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
	______________________________
	Secretary of the Senate
	APPROVED:  _____________________
	Date
	_____________________
	Governor