Press Release- Jun 04, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
GOV. RITTER'S VETO MESSAGE ON SENATE BILL 24
June 4, 2007
The Honorable Colorado State Senate
66th General Assembly
First Regular Session
State Capitol
Denver, CO 80203
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am filing with the Secretary of State Senate Bill 07-024, "Concerning the Regulation of Athletic Trainers, and Making an Appropriation Therefore." I vetoed this bill as of ______________ p.m. and this letter sets forth my reasons for doing so.
Senate Bill 24 would create a series of educational background, certification and examination requirements in order for athletic trainers to obtain a license to practice in this state. The bill would also create a 7-person advisory committee to assist the Division of Registrations, Department of Regulatory Agencies in implementing this licensing program, and would eliminate language that gives the Board of Medical Examiners rule-making authority concerning athletic trainers.
The purpose of professional licensure is to ensure a minimum level of competency in a specific field as well as to enforce minimum practice standards in order to protect the public. Licensing standards prohibit unqualified persons from performing regulated activities when there is a clear public safety concern necessitating state oversight. In 1995 and 2005, sunrise review reports by the Department of Regulatory Agencies determined that this type of regulation is not justified and would not enhance public safety.
In Colorado, athletic trainers who satisfy certain criteria are allowed to practice under and exemption in the Medical Practice Act (MPA) under 12-36-106(3.5), C.R.S., which is designed to limit the types of services that can be provided by an athletic trainer. This exemption, in addition to the national certification process for athletic trainers, has created an efficient threshold for athletic trainers. I believe that further regulation in this field would only raise costs to both the school systems and to the athletic trainers themselves without improving the quality of the profession or the safety of the public.
While the current law may not be perfect, the industry's self-regulation has been more than adequate, and I believe additional regulation in this field is inappropriate and unwarranted. While I understand the desire of these individuals to obtain recognition for their dedication to their profession, I do not believe that this is the right means to accomplish this goal.
Accordingly, I have vetoed this bill.
Sincerely,
Bill Ritter Jr.