Subcommittee advances athletic trainer compact amid workforce shortage testimony

The Health Professions Subcommittee voted to report House Bill 574, a proposal to join an interstate compact for athletic trainers that would create a pathway for licensed athletic trainers to practice across member states.

Delegate Glass said the compact would expand mobility, improve access to athletic training services and align licensure requirements across states. Deborah Rodman, representing the Virginia Athletic Trainers Association, and Dr. Amanda Caswell, director of the athletic training education program at George Mason University, urged support and described workforce shortages that have left many positions unfilled after COVID‑era disruptions. Dr. Caswell said at one point about a year and a half ago roughly 30% of jobs were unfilled but she did not provide updated percentages.

Committee members moved to report the bill; the motion carried and HB 574 was reported by a recorded vote of 8 yes, 1 no, and 1 abstention. The bill will proceed to the next stage of legislative review.