Baker’s Athletic Training Bills Passed by Senate

HARRISBURG – Two bills modernizing the capabilities of athletic trainers in Pennsylvania were passed by the Senate today, according to the sponsor, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).

Senate Bill 559 and Senate Bill 560 would give athletic trainers the ability to deliver a wider scope of health care services to more individuals.

In the current law governing athletic trainers, the definition for invasive procedures is undefined and subject to strict interpretation. This can prohibit life-saving techniques such as using an epi-pen or administering a rescue inhaler or insulin. The bills clarify that under a written protocol with a licensed physician procedures such as blister and nail care, administration of Naloxone, and certain medication injections can occur. The bills would also expand the definition of a physically active person to include an individual who participates in a sport, athletic competition, performing art, recreational activity or military exercise.

“In Pennsylvania, athletic trainers are health care professionals who are board-certified and licensed. They deliver their services under the supervision of a licensed physician. However, their scope of practice is limited to exclusively assisting physically active individuals,” Baker said. “The existing definition is outdated and overly restrictive. These bills aim to modernize the definitions to accurately represent the current education, training and certification of athletic trainers, while prioritizing patient safety. Importantly, the services would continue to be administered under the guidance of a physician.”

“Athletic trainers genuinely value Sen. Baker’s recognition of having qualified medical professionals practicing according to their highest capabilities. These bills are crucial as they increase needed access to health care services in the commonwealth by better defining the populations and procedures that athletic trainers are educated to handle in their medical studies,” said Gregory Janik, clinical professor and athletic trainer with the King’s College Athletic Training program. “Pennsylvania currently has 23 accredited athletic training programs – the highest in the nation. These updates will allow graduates to stay and work to their fullest education and capacity right here in Pennsylvania rather than seeking employment in other states.”

The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society and numerous other health care groups and providers support the bills, which now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Wilson

Meeting to consider SB 819 and SB 1021

Senate Judiciary Committee

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 11:30 a.m.

Room 8E-B, East Wing


Agenda

  • Senate Bill 819, P.N. 928 (Yaw) – Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) to establish offenses relating to critical infrastructure facilities and provide for penalties.
  • Senate Bill 1021, P.N. 1319 (Dillon/Gebhard) – Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) to authorize courts to order evaluations of and treatment for persons with gambling disorders; and establish penalties and regulations for leaving a minor unattended at a gaming facility.

Brown Introduces Legislation to Improve Maternal Health Access in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG ­– Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) introduced legislation today to update and modernize midwife requirements.

“The declining number of physicians opting for obstetrics and gynecology specialization is noteworthy, and young families are worried about accessing maternal care. Both rural and urban regions in our state lack obstetricians or licensed midwives and face challenges in doctor recruitment and retention,” Brown said. “Following extensive discussions with stakeholders and residents, I have proposed legislation aimed at enhancing maternal care standards for Pennsylvanians by integrating midwives more effectively into our health care system.”

Board-certified midwives are trained to work with families through the entire pregnancy process, including childbirth, postpartum care and the first 28 days of a newborn’s life. Midwives may provide other routine women’s reproductive care, along with full prenatal care, clinical examinations and screening. Brown’s legislation – known as the Midwifery Modernization Act – would expand access to maternal health care by amending the Medical Practice Act of 1985 to include the licensure of certified midwives in Pennsylvania and updates to the regulatory restrictions.

“Midwives play a crucial role in promoting maternal health and well-being. Their expertise in providing holistic, personalized care throughout the reproductive journey is invaluable. By working alongside medical doctors, midwives and physicians collaborate to enhance the overall quality of care,” Brown said. “Collaboration between midwives and doctors allows for a comprehensive approach to maternal healthcare, combining medical interventions with the compassionate, woman-centered care that midwives provide. By recognizing and integrating the unique contributions of midwives within the health care system, Pennsylvania can further improve maternal outcomes and promote the well-being of families across the state.”

Board-certified midwives in Pennsylvania must possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing, complete a midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, pass the national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board, apply for licensure as a certified nurse-midwife or certified midwife through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and maintain certification and licensure by fulfilling continuing education requirements.

Brown’s legislation will be considered by a Senate committee.

 

CONTACT:
Christine Zubeck

Baker: Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bills Prioritizing Community Safety

HARRISBURG – Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced two bills aimed at prioritizing community safety, according to committee chair Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).

Senate Bill 1111 sponsored by Baker, would make technical changes to Megan’s Law to ensure that individuals who are convicted of certain human trafficking offenses are subject to the same reporting and evaluation requirements as any other sexual offender.

“The General Assembly made significant strides in efforts to combat human trafficking by the passage of Act 144 of 2022, which added certain human trafficking offenses to Megan’s Law,” Baker said. “However, the changes in Senate Bill 1111 are necessary to ensure that individuals convicted of these offenses, as well as attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit those offenses, are subject to the same requirements as other sexual offenders.”

Senate Bill 1120 aims to establish clear guidelines for courts when deciding what bail to set following an arrest. If a court believes that someone is a danger to public safety, they can’t let that person go without any bail or with an unsecured monetary condition. The bill also states that if a person fits the criteria of posing a threat to public safety, the arresting officer must bring them before the court for the purpose of setting bail. This includes individuals that were arrested for repeated violent crimes or major fentanyl traffickers.

“This bill is crucial in preventing the release of individuals arrested for fentanyl trafficking or repeat violent crimes back into our communities,” Baker said. “By establishing clear guidelines for setting bail, individuals who pose a threat to public safety cannot be released without appropriate conditions. This measure helps to keep these criminals off the streets, safeguarding our communities from the potential harm they may cause.”

Both bills are part of the Senate Republican effort to improve community safety across Pennsylvania. They now head to the full Senate for consideration.

 

CONTACT:
Cara Laudenslager

Meeting to consider HB 1795

Senate Health and Human Services Committee

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 11:30 a.m.

Room 8E-A, East Wing


Agenda

Call to Order

House Bill 1795 (Gergely) – Exempting source plasma donation centers from clinical laboratory licensure

Recess to the Call of the Chair

Meeting to consider SB 1120 and SB 1111

Senate Judiciary Committee

Monday, March18, 2024 | Off the Floor

Rules Committee Conference Room


Agenda

  • Senate Bill 1111 P.N. 1417 (Baker) Amends Title 42 by making technical changes to Megan’s Law.
    • Amendment 3583 (Baker)Changes the effective date from 60 days to immediately.
  • Senate Bill 1120 P.N. 1425 (Robinson) – Amends Title 42 by prohibiting an issuing authority from setting non-monetary bail in certain circumstances.
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