TRENTON, N.J. – A bill that will permit athletic trainers to treat non-athletes passed the Assembly Oversight Committee on Thursday.
The bill (A1446), sponsored by Assemblyman Erik Simonsen, would allow trainers to treat injuries and offer rehabilitative and preventative services to the general public, aligning the state’s licensing law with national athletic trainer accreditation standards.
“We have a shortage of qualified medical professionals in New Jersey that’s only getting worse,” Simonsen (R-Cape May) said. “Other states allow athletic trainers to treat non-athletes, so it makes sense that we should open up another avenue for people here to get the treatment they need.”
Athletic trainers specialize in treating musculoskeletal injuries, which can be caused by repetitive movements or increased physical inactivity, and aging. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey found New Jersey’s median age was 40.2 years, slightly higher than the national median of 39.2 years. Between 2010 and 2023, the number of residents ages 65 and older increased from 1.19 million to 1.56 million and will grow to nearly 2 million by 2030.
“Athletic trainers should be permitted to treat non-athletes, as their specialized skills in managing musculoskeletal injuries and promoting recovery can benefit a wide range of individuals, enhancing overall community health,” Simonsen said.
