Governmental Affairs

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Co-Chairs

Shawn Petrucci, MS, LAT, ATC 

Salvatore Palermo, MS, LAT, ATC, CES

Committee Members

Joe Maynard, LAT, ATC

Bernard Walls, ATC

 

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RIATA GAC Mission Statement

The mission statement of the Governmental Affairs committee is to monitor legislative activity in the state of Rhode Island and assist in creating policies, procedures, and bills that support the Athletic Trainers within Rhode Island while keeping the RIATA board and members informed of changes at the governmental level. 

 

Committee Goals

• Monitor governmental activity that impacts athletic training in Rhode Island.

• Monitor legislation and regulatory changes that impact athletic training.

• Create and present legislative, regulatory, and legal issues to the executive board.

• Develop and implement state regulatory and legislative strategies. 

• Expand  and maintain relationships with legislative and state administration staff

• Support and encourage RIATA members to testify before boards, commissions, and committees regarding athletic training issues

• Recommend communications regarding state and federal government actions for distribution to RIATA members

• Prioritize public policy issues according to importance, ability to succeed, and financial impact on the athletic training profession

 

Current Activities and Strategies

• Introduce a new senate bill for epinephrine auto injectors requiring schools to have an emergency use epinephrine cartridge injector placed with AED on campus/school grounds.

• Introduce a new senate bill for Return to Learn pertaining to all levels and ages of academics following a concussion diagnosis. 

• Assist Third Party Reimbursement Chair with legislative issues pertaining to topic and advancements of TPR within Rhode Island

• Continue full Lobbying efforts to remain relevant and recognized with Rhode Island General Assembly

• Continue to publicize Athletic Trainers’ expertise in concussion management

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Upcoming Legislative Bills 2025:

• Bill H5486- This bill would require Certified Athletic Trainers to be equipped with a generally prescribed epinephrine auto injectors (epi-pens) for emergency use.   Click here to read the bill  

  •  Bill Progress: Committee- PASSED   House- TBD      Senate- TBD

• Bill H5489- This bill would require schools to organize a concussion oversight team which would develop removal from play, return to learn, return to play and a concussion brochure. Click here to read the bill   

  • Bill Progress:  Committee - TBD  House- TBD     Senate-

• Bill H5490- This bill would require all school districts to designate a certified athletic trainer at each high school within its district Click here to read the bill   

  • Bill Progress:  Committee- TBD   House- TBD    Senate- TBD

Rhode Island House of Representatives
Website

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Rhode Island Senate

Website

 

 

 

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