COLUMBUS (WKRC) – Ohio athletic trainers may soon be able to provide more comprehensive care for student athletes.

House Bill 484 passed the House Wednesday by a vote of 89-5.

The bill would modernize the rules and regulations for athletic trainers by giving them the ability to administer lifesaving drugs or wrap the ankle of a visiting player -- two things the current practice act does not allow.

“It eliminates language in that current law restricts ATs by only allowing the administration of what’s called topical care,” Republican Rep. Rick Carfagna of Genoa Township, one of the bill’s main sponsors, told the House floor before the vote.

“An athletic trainer should never have to choose between saving a life and following the law,” said Republican Rep. Cindy Abrams from Harrison, the bill’s other main sponsor.

Ohio was the first state to license athletic trainers back in 1991. That’s also the last time their practice act was updated.

There are more than 2,300 licensed athletic trainers in Ohio and 80% of them have a master’s degree or higher.

The vote came at a crucial time in the legislative schedule. The legislature will break for summer at the end of this week. The bill will start with committee hearings in the Senate this fall.