A bipartisan bill that helps to protect physical therapists (PTs) and other health care providers who travel across state lines with sports teams is on its way to the floor of the US House of Representatives.
The Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act (HR 921/S 689) aims to provide added legal protections for sports medicine professionals when they’re traveling with professional, college, or national sports teams by extending the provider’s “home state” malpractice and professional liability insurance to any other state the team may visit. This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the bill for full House consideration.
Originally, the bill’s coverage was restricted to only physicians and athletic trainers. Advocacy staff at APTA worked closely with the office of sponsor Rep Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and ECC subcommittee staff to get PTs added to the list. The bill also opens the possibility of coverage for physical therapist assistants who are under the direct supervision of a PT.
In addition to Guthrie, cosponsors include Rep Cedric Richmond (D-LA) in the House, and Sens John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in the Senat