Regulatory Leaders Gather for 2026 Brad Sherman Regulatory Conference
The BOC welcomed athletic training regulators and other health care leaders to Omaha, Nebraska, August 20–21, for the 2026 Brad Sherman Regulatory Conference. The two-day event brought together 55 registered attendees, including 38 in person and 17 virtually. Attendees representing 39 states, Washington, D.C., Canada and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) came together to discuss current issues, emerging trends and challenges impacting health care regulation.
Throughout the conference, attendees explored a wide range of topics designed to support regulatory boards and the professionals who serve on them.
Understanding Regulatory Law and Public Protection
Dale Atkinson, JD of the Atkinson Firm opened the conference with an interactive session focused on the administrative and legal aspects of licensure board functions. He explored the role of government and trade associations in athletic training regulation and discussed recent judicial opinions and court rulings that impact regulatory boards, licensing processes and public protection. The session provided attendees with insights to help guide board processes, decision-making, enforcement and outreach, while highlighting important considerations for regulatory board members, staff, investigators and attorneys to take back to their jurisdictions.
Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence
The conference opened discussions around the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care practice. Frank Meyers, Director of Regulatory Innovation & Member Services from the Federation of State Medical Boards, presented recent trends in AI and provided insights into how AI is being used in clinical practice. The session explored how different types of AI technology can impact various functional areas of clinical practice, as well as the potential implications for state regulation and regulatory boards.
Attendees also learned how different states and boards are responding to AI, both in terms of its use by health care professionals and its potential application within regulatory agencies.
Supporting Health Care Practitioner Well-Being
A collaborative panel featuring representatives from the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and NATA focused on the importance of health care practitioner well-being.
Dr. Stephanie Simmons, Chief Medical Officer at the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, discussed the well-being of health care professionals and how practitioner well-being can impact regulatory agencies, including legislative efforts aimed at protecting health care workers.
Jeff Rosa, Managing Director of Post-Licensure Services at FSBPT, shared information about the Healthy Practice Guidelines and related Healthy Practice Resource, a confidential self-assessment tool designed to help practitioners identify and access mental health resources.
Molie Pillman, CEO of NATA, highlighted NATA’s ATs Care program, which provides athletic trainers with peer support and crisis response interventions when needed.
Preparing Regulatory Boards for the Future
Veronica Meadows, Chief Strategy Officer at the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards provided an overview of strategic planning and discussed how state regulatory boards can use strategic planning to respond proactively to the challenges facing regulators.
Ethics was also a key focus of the conference. Mai Lin Petrine, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, led attendees through scenario-based discussions designed to highlight ethical dilemmas regulatory boards may encounter and reinforce approaches for identifying and responding to a variety of ethical situations.
Ajay Gohil from Professional Boundaries, Inc. further explored the importance of recognizing and responding to ethical issues involving health care providers. His presentation examined how regulatory boards can address these cases by implementing a broader framework for ethical remediation that extends beyond traditional continuing education requirements.
Additional Regulatory Updates
Other sessions throughout the conference focused on specialty certification, the Athletic Training Compact, and updates from the BOC on strategic initiatives, the BOC exam, regulatory resources and Continuing Professional Certification.
The 2026 Brad Sherman Regulatory Conference provided attendees with opportunities to learn from experts, exchange ideas and connect with regulatory colleagues from across the United States and beyond. By bringing together a diverse group of regulators and health care leaders, the conference fostered meaningful discussion around the evolving regulatory landscape and the shared goal of protecting the public.
Presentation handouts are available on the BOC website.
The BOC thanks all attendees, speakers and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s Brad Sherman Regulatory Conference. Details regarding the next Brad Sherman Regulatory Conference will be announced later.
