Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact
The Council of State Governments (CSG), through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense (DoD), is partnering with the BOC to support the need for mobility of licensed Athletic Trainers (ATs) through the development of a new interstate compact. An interstate compact will allow ATs to practice across state lines both physically and remotely (e.g. digital health) improving continuity of care.
Development of an Athletic Trainer interstate compact has been launched through the CSG’s National Center for Interstate Compacts.
Occupational licensure compacts represent the gold standard of policy options for states to improve licensure portability. This AT interstate compact will enhance reciprocity among compact member states to reduce the barriers to employment and delivery of care.
Through licensure compacts, states establish uniform standards to lower barriers to multi-state practice while preserving a state’s practice act and initial licensure process. Licensure compacts enhance public protection through a data system that allows compact member states to efficiently communicate licensure data, including disciplinary actions against licensees.
Licensure compacts are developed through an extensive stakeholder informed and consensus-based process from the existing policies across states and respond to the unique characteristics and needs of a profession. States join interstate compacts by agreeing to uniform provisions through the legislative process.
CSG has been a part of helping to drive change in state occupational licensure policy in recent years. Based on this experience, CSG believes interstate compacts provide the most effective means for achieving borderless practice for licensed practitioners and military spouses relieving the burdens of maintaining multiple state licenses.
Project Announcement
A kick-off meeting to announce the AT interstate compact project was held on June 5, 2024. Anne Minton, CEO represented the BOC, providing an overview of the positive impact the compact would have for ATs and the profession overall.
Hundreds of ATs and other stakeholders tuned in, hearing from DoD officials, CSG staff and BOC leadership. Speakers mapped out the function of an AT interstate compact, the background and aspirations for the project, as well as the compact development process and timeline.
“The BOC was interested in applying for technical assistance with the development of an interstate compact to advance the athletic training profession itself, as well as enhance opportunities for AT professionals, ultimately maximizing patient care and protection of the public,” said Minton. “Creating transportability of BOC certifications domestically and worldwide through this AT compact expands access.”
ATs have the knowledge and skills to be effective in many health care settings, including remotely. Digital health opens doors for ATs and provides patients with increased access to qualified health care professionals. An interstate compact is the most efficient way for ATs to use digital health in multiple states.
An interstate compact is also a more efficient and effective way for AT regulators to exchange licensure and disciplinary data, which again would improve protection of the public.
Next Steps
The compact is currently under development. Once an initial draft is developed, it will be shared on the CSG site with the opportunity to provide feedback for stakeholder review. The BOC will provide updates to ATs, as well.
Official AT Compact Website
A recording of the kick-off meeting, as well as additional information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the CSG website.