COLUMBUS (WKRC) – The bill that would update Ohio’s practice act for athletic trainers had its third hearing on Tuesday.

Four opponents – all from the Ohio Physical Therapy Association – focused on the bill’s definition of what athletic trainers are allowed to do.

“So the remaining concerns of other stakeholders relate to proposed definition of athletic training being overly broad,” Rep. Rick Carfagna told the Ohio House Health Committee. “So the amendment offered today addresses that concerned by removing the proposed reference to “activities of daily living.”

The second part of the amendment further clarified an athletic trainer to athletic trainer referral, which allows a home athletic trainer to take care of a visiting team’s players regardless of its emergency medical care, something the bill currently prohibits.

One opponent felt athletic trainers were “putting the cart before the horse.”

Carfagna (R – Genoa Township) is one of the bill’s sponsors. He said the proposed amendment worked to tighten the language.

“It is my understanding that the physical therapists still do remain opposed to the bill,” Carfagna said. “They are aware of the amendment. Again, this was an attempt to be responsive to that.

The bill’s amendment was passed by the health committee with no opposition.

Ohio’s practice act for athletic trainers has not been updated in 29 years.