2026 Dave Montgomery Advocacy Award Recognizes Tennessee AT Advocates
Racheal Lawler and Johnnie Anderson have been named the recipients of the 2026 Dave Montgomery Advocacy Award in recognition of their leadership and advocacy efforts to modernize Tennessee’s Athletic Trainer (AT) Practice Act. The Dave Montgomery Advocacy Award was presented at a reception during the 2026 Brad Sherman Regulatory Conference on August 20.
The Dave Montgomery Advocacy Award recognizes an individual, group or organization that demonstrates leadership in the conception, construction and/or modification of AT regulation or conducts research activities to support AT regulation that ultimately protects the public and athletic training consumers.
Lawler, President of the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society (TATS), and Anderson, Governmental Affairs Committee Chair of TATS, led a nearly 18-month effort to update Tennessee’s AT Practice Act. Their work resulted in the most significant modernization of the state’s practice act in nearly three decades. The updated practice act was signed by the Governor in May 2026 and took effect July 1, 2026.
The updated legislation expands the scope of practice for ATs to better align with current standards of care and recognizes ATs as health care providers in Tennessee. The changes also authorize ATs to use rectal thermometry in exertional heat illness emergencies and perform blood glucose monitoring for patients with diabetes. In addition, the updated Practice Act authorizes ATs to administer intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, administer intravenous fluids for heat illness and diabetic emergencies, and use adhesive wound closure techniques.
Through their sustained advocacy, collaboration and leadership, Lawler and Anderson helped advance regulations that better reflect the current role and capabilities of ATs while supporting appropriate patient care and public protection. Their work demonstrates the important impact that dedicated advocacy can have on the athletic training profession and the patients and communities ATs serve.
The BOC congratulates Lawler and Anderson on receiving the 2026 Dave Montgomery Advocacy Award and recognizes their commitment to advancing athletic training through meaningful regulatory advocacy.
