Pennsylvania Act 2024-83 — MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT OF 1985 - ABROGATING REGULATIONS

Act text

Session of 2024

No. 2024-83

SB 559

AN ACT

Amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), entitled "An act relating to the right to practice medicine and surgery and the right to practice medically related acts; reestablishing the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure as the State Board of Medicine and providing for its composition, powers and duties; providing for the issuance of licenses and certificates and the suspension and revocation of licenses and certificates; provided penalties; and making repeals," further providing for definitions; and abrogating regulations.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. The definitions of "athletic training services" and "physically active person" in section 2 of the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, are amended to read:

Section 2. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

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"Athletic training services."

(1) The management and provision of care of injuries to a physically active person as defined in this act with the direction of a licensed physician. The term includes the rendering of emergency care, development of injury prevention programs and providing appropriate preventative and supporting devices for the physically active person. The term also includes the assessment, management, treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning of the physically active person whose conditions are within the professional preparation and education of a licensed athletic trainer. The term also includes the use of modalities such as mechanical stimulation, heat, cold, light, air, water, electricity, sound, massage and the use of therapeutic exercises, reconditioning exercise and fitness programs.

(2) Athletic training services shall not include [surgery, invasive procedures or prescription of any controlled substance.] any of the following:

(i) Surgery.

(ii) Prescription of any controlled substance.

(iii) Invasive procedures, except an athletic trainer licensed to practice may, with the direction of a licensed physician, perform the following invasive procedures pursuant to a written protocol:

(A) Rectal thermometry.

(B) Intramuscular or subcutaneous medication administration injections.

(C) Airway adjuncts in conformity with basic life support protocols and instruments.

(D) Capillary finger sticks for the purpose of testing blood glucose levels.

(E) Nasal plugs.

(F) Blister and nail care.

(G) Administration of naloxone.

(H) Removal of superficial foreign bodies.

(I) Any other procedures authorized by the board.

(3) Nothing in this definition shall be construed to require a licensed physician to authorize a licensed athletic trainer to perform invasive procedures.

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"Physically active person." An individual who participates in [organized, individual or team sports, athletic games or recreational sport activity.] any of the following:

(1) An individual or team sport.

(2) An athletic competition.

(3) A performing art.

(4) A recreational activity.

(5) A military exercise.

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Section 2. The provisions of 49 Pa. Code Ch. 18 Subch. H are abrogated insofar as they are inconsistent with the amendment of the definitions of "athletic training services" and "physically active person" in section 2 of the act.

Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.

APPROVED--The 17th day of July, A.D. 2024.

JOSH SHAPIRO