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