[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 119 (Monday, August 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ATHLETIC TRAINERS EQUAL ACCESS TO MEDICARE ACT

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 1, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the 
important and essential role that athletic trainers play in providing 
quality health care across our nation. Our nation's health care system 
is complex and every day people with many different health needs are 
served by legions of caring, qualified, and professional athletic 
trainers.
  Athletic trainers are health care professionals who hold at least a 
bachelor's degree in athletic training. Almost 70 percent of athletic 
trainers have a master's degree or PhD. Athletic trainers are licensed 
health care professionals who provide injury prevention, diagnosis, 
treatment, and rehabilitation to patients of all ages.
  Athletic trainers work under the direction of physicians to provide 
care to patients. Historically, they worked with athletes in secondary 
schools, colleges, universities and professional sports. Today, about 
50 percent work outside of these athletic settings. Many athletic 
trainers are employed by clinics, hospitals, physician offices, 
commercial workplaces, the United States Armed Forces, and performing 
arts companies. The focus of athletic trainers' care is to prevent 
injuries and support patients and clients in their rehabilitation 
efforts to regain function as quickly and safely as possible.
  Athletic trainers pass a national certifying exam. In most of the 46 
states where they are licensed or otherwise regulated, the national 
certification is required for licensure. Athletic trainers maintain 
this certification with required continuing education. They work under 
a medical scope of practice, and adhere to a national code of ethics.
  Unfortunately, in 2005, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services 
(CMS) implemented a policy to prevent physicians from employing anyone 
other than a physical or occupational therapist and speech language 
pathologist to provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services in 
a physician's office.
  Due to all of these facts, I have proudly introduced the Athletic 
Trainers Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2011. This bill would make the 
following improvements:
  Ensure coverage of and improve patient access to physical medicine 
and rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B;
  Allow physicians to choose from a wider range of highly qualified 
health professionals to serve patients' needs; and
  Restore the ability of athletic trainers to provide physical medicine 
and rehabilitation services incident to a physician's services.
  I strongly support the vital role athletic trainers play in our 
health care system. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this 
important group of health professionals and co-sponsor the Athletic 
Trainers Equal Access to Medicare Act.

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