BOC Leaders Help to Support National Conversations on Health Care Policy
Pictured from left is BOC Board of Directors President Brian Conway, LAT, ATC. and Noah Enders, who is a staff member for U.S. Representative Derek Schmidoah from Kansas.
The BOC was proudly represented at the 2026 NATA Policy Summit and Capitol Hill Day by BOC Board of Directors President Brian Conway, LAT, ATC, and Senior Vice President of Credentialing Shannon Fleming, MA, ICE-CCP, AT Ret. Their participation underscores the BOC’s continued commitment to advancing the athletic training profession through advocacy, collaboration and leadership at the national level.
Hosted by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), the two-day event brought together Athletic Trainers (ATs) and other health care professionals from across the country to engage in meaningful dialogue around federal policy issues impacting the athletic training profession. The Policy Summit, held March 30, featured a series of panel presentations designed to inform and empower attendees with the latest developments in health care policy and advocacy.
Sessions included a comprehensive Government Affairs update, along with timely discussions such as “Name, Image, Likeness…& Liability: An Update from Capitol Hill,” which explored evolving legal considerations in college athletics. Additional panels focused on “Caring for the Caregivers: Building a Resilient Health Care Workforce,” highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being among health care professionals, and “From the Sidelines to the Frontlines: How Athletic Trainers are Shaping Military Readiness,” which showcased the growing role of ATs in military settings. Attendees also gained insight into the legislative process through “From Backroom Talks to Hearing Room Testimony: How Lobbying Drives Legislation.”
On March 31, participants transitioned from education to action during Capitol Hill Day, meeting with lawmakers and congressional staff to advocate for key issues affecting ATs and the broader health care community. A primary focus of these efforts was supporting appropriations for the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, which provides federal funding to address burnout, suicide and mental health challenges among health care professionals.
Advocates also emphasized the importance of recognizing ATs as privileged providers within the Military Health System. NATA continues to engage with the Defense Health Agency to promote provider designation that aligns with athletic trainers’ education, competencies and scope of practice, while also expanding their role within the TRICARE health benefit.
The presence of BOC leadership at these events reflects a strong partnership with NATA and a shared dedication to advancing policies that support ATs and their patients. By participating in both strategic discussions and direct advocacy efforts, BOC leaders are helping to ensure that the voice of the profession is heard at the highest levels of government.
As the health care landscape continues to evolve, engagement in events like the NATA Policy Summit and Capitol Hill Day remains critical. The BOC remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance professional recognition, promote workforce well-being and strengthen the impact of ATs nationwide.
