House passes bill clarifying sports medicine licensure when professionals travel out-of-state with teams

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the bipartisan Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act (H.R. 921) which stipulates health care given by a sports medicine professional to an athlete, athletic team or team staff member in a state outside of the professional’s state of licensure falls under the appropriate medical malpractice insurance provider.

According to press releases from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the bill protects team physicians and athletic trainers when they travel with their teams across state lines and provide treatment by ensuring providers are covered by their professional liability insurance. The bill, which had190 cosponsors, will be sent to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

“Sports medicine professionals are integral to the operation of athletic teams around the country,” Thomas C. Barber, MD, chair of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Council on Advocacy, said in a press release. “H.R. 921 ensures these professionals can treat injured athletes, whose medical histories they know well, across state lines without the fear of incurring great professional and financial loss. With timely access to the highest quality of care, athletes are then better able to return to their active lifestyle as soon as possible. We commend the House for approving this bill and we urge the Senate to do the same.”

Other groups have reportedly supported the bill including the AMA, the American Academy of Neurology, American College of Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. The bill has also been supported by sports industry groups, such as the National Football League, Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association.

References:

www.amssm.org/sports-medicine-licensure-p-194.html?StartPos=&Type=