OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, on Tuesday passed a bill in committee that would improve public access to athletic training through reciprocity among member states.

Senate Bill 1813 would adopt the Athletic Trainer Compact, aligning Oklahoma's licensure standards with those set by the Athletic Trainer Compact Commission. This would include guidelines for examination and education requirements, criminal background checks, conducting investigations, continuing competence and participation in the commission’s shared data system.

"This legislation would allow the governor to enter into compacts to certain jurisdictions for the purpose of expanding the mobility of the athletic trainer practice to improve public access to service by providing qualified, licensed athletic trainers," Ford said. "This would give these members the ability to practice in other states. The compact also would preserve the regulatory authority of the state to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensing."

SB1813 passed the House Business Committee and now awaits consideration in the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee. If it passes on third reading on the House floor, it will be sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law.