Regulatory Process Series – Ohio Process for Athletic Trainer Licensure
In this series, we present helpful information from regulatory agencies who have made the process of athletic training licensure easy and efficient, while still upholding state guidelines. The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board Executive Director Missy Anthony, MPA share her organization’s experience.
Can you walk us through the licensure process for Athletic Trainers (ATs) in your state? What is your typical processing time?
The OTPTAT Board licenses ATs in Ohio. Applicants for a license submit an application through http://elicense.ohio.gov. Applications are supported by a verification showing BOC certification and any other states where the AT is licensed, and a state/FBI criminal background check. Licenses are typically issued within 1-2 days of receipt of a completed application.
What processes do you use to make athletic training licensure efficient?
Use of the web-based licensing platform http://elicense.ohio.gov has greatly increased the efficiency of the licensing process. It also offers the public and employers a real-time view of a person’s license status through the licensure look-up. We are also able to offer access to on-demand licensure verification to other states and access to a downloadable license wall certificate. License holders can take advantage of self-service options to notify the board of a change of address or employer.
What challenges do you face regulating the Athletic Trainers practicing in your state?
The AT section of the OTPTAT Board is actively working to educate AT license holders about changes to the practice act in Ohio that allow for use of an expanded scope of practice when they enter into a collaboration agreement with a physician. https://otptat.ohio.gov/athletic-training/collaboration-agreements The board is also working on a series of social media advisories and tips to encourage good boundaries between license holders and their patients. The board is hoping this will help reduce the number of boundary violation complaints received.
How does/will your state use the Board of Certification (BOC) as a resource?
Ohio values the resources offered by BOC tremendously. We have depended on information that the BOC provides on licensure across the United States during legislative reviews. We appreciate the training and resources the board members receive through the Brad Sherman (formerly CARE) Regulatory Conference. The AT section also supports the recent efforts of BOC to work with the Council of State Governments and other stakeholders on an Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact. Being part of a joint professional board, the AT Section has seen the benefit of a licensure compact to other professions.
