NATA Beat: Spring 2026 Advocacy Updates
Every day, NATA is working on behalf of the athletic training profession. With staff members experienced in all aspects of the legislative and regulatory process, the NATA Government Affairs Department is the sole department focused on advocacy for the profession. NATA’s goal is to ensure that all ATs can work to the fullest extent of their education and skill set. These bipartisan efforts consist of five key areas: state legislation, federal legislation, regulatory, reimbursement and NATAPAC.
NATA Beat includes a quarterly eblast dedicated to these government affairs efforts, ensuring members have the latest insight into the work being done to advocate for the profession. Accompanying the eblast, NATA Now will provide further highlights each quarter in a quick, easy-to-digest format.
You can also follow @MyNATABeat on X (formerly Twitter), which provides real-time updates on advocacy efforts that matter to the athletic training profession.
State Legislation
State Legislative Updates
- South Dakota added dry needling through regulatory rulemaking
- So far in 2026, NATA has:
- Tracked 213 bills
- Held 15 advocacy campaigns
- Sent 4,046 messages to legislators
Learn More About Smart Heart Sports
NATA continues to work with the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which was formed in 2023 by the NFL, along with other major sports organizations and leading patient and health advocacy groups, to advocate for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies that will help prevent fatal outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest among high school students. Visit the Smart Heart Sports Coalition website to learn more.
AT Compact Updates (as of April 17)
- Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, South Dakota and Virginia have been signed into law.
- Delaware, Iowa, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Missouri and Ohio have legislation moving through their legislative chambers.
Nominate a Friend of Athletic Trainers
NATA is now accepting the first round of Friends of Athletic Trainers nominations, which recognizes state legislators who support the athletic training profession. State associations should email Nick Tolfree in the NATA Government Affairs Department with nominations.
Federal Legislation
Inside Capitol Hill Day
NATA Marketing & Communications Director Dylan Orrell provides a firsthand account of the NATA Policy Summit and Capitol Hill Day March 30-31 in Washington, D.C. In the NATA Now article, he outlines what took place over the two days as well as the impact such advocacy endeavors have on attendees and the overall athletic training profession. This year, 80 participants from around the country attended Capitol Hill Day and more than 150 offices were visited.
Advocacy Discussed on ‘The NATA-Cast’
In the “Advocacy in Action: Inside NATA’s Hit the Hill Day” episode of “The NATA-Cast” podcast, NATA Director of Government Affairs Deanna Kuykendall and Venable Senior Policy Advisor Jim Twaddell discuss the impact of advocacy in action for athletic trainers. The conversation highlighted how ATs connect directly with congressional offices to advance key priorities. Listen to this and all episodes on the “NATA-Cast” webpage or wherever you get your podcasts.
President Duffy Attends Radio Row
Before Super Bowl LX, NATA President A.J. Duffy III, MS, ATC, PT, attended NFL Radio Row, Feb. 4-5, where he advocated for athletic trainers’ respect, time and compensation. Duffy participated in multiple interviews with on-site media, focusing on sports safety, emergency preparedness and the crucial role of athletic trainers. Duffy also attended the NFL Health and Safety Super Bowl Medical Summit Feb. 6. The full-day summit featured a comprehensive overview of player health and safety in professional football, with a focus on concussion management, head and neck injuries, injury prevention and NFL health and safety initiatives.
NATA Activities
- Participated in the annual Brain Injury Association of America’s National Brain Injury Conference in March
- Officially joined the Dr. Lorna Breen ALL-IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare Coalition in January
- Participated in a recent AI Wearables Policy Roundtable in Washington, D.C.
- Signed a letter of support to legislators for the Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025 (S.3412)
Regulatory
NATA submitted public comments to the Department of Education, requesting reconsideration of the determination that the degrees procured by athletic trainers don’t qualify as a “professional degree” under the RISE proposed rule.
NATA joined the Advanced Professional Workforce Alliance Steering Committee. The alliance was formed to advocate for professional workforce needs, including architecture, behavioral health, public health, social work, health administration, occupational and physical therapy, naturopathic medicine, athletic training and mental health counseling, among others. Learn more in this handout.
Reimbursement
NATA offers resources to ATs help demonstrate their value and worth through revenue models, improve their understanding of the business of athletic training or get assistance in seeking reimbursement for athletic training services. Visit the Revenue & Reimbursement section of the NATA website for more information.
NATAPAC
NATA Attends National PAC Conference
NATA Government Affairs & Political Engagement Manager Madison Sequenzia participated in the Public Affairs Council’s annual three-day National PAC Conference in March. The conference is the most comprehensive program available for political action committee professionals.
Register for the Chuck Kimmel Memorial NATAPAC luncheon
The Chuck Kimmel Memorial NATAPAC Luncheon is the premier event and largest annual fundraiser for the NATA Political Action Committee. This year, attendees will hear from keynote speaker and NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inductee Linda Fabrizio Mazzoli, MS, LAT, ATC. They’ll also enjoy a plated lunch and have the opportunity to network with AT leaders and Hall of Fame members, all while supporting NATAPAC advocacy!
Tickets can be purchased when you register for convention or added to an existing convention registration.
Monuments by Moonlight NATAPAC Fundraiser
More than 45 members participated in the Capitol Hill Day Monuments by Moonlight NATAPAC Fundraiser March 30. Members enjoyed a two-hour narrated trolley tour around the monuments of Washington, D.C., and special “Popcorn and Poppi” NATAPAC snacks. For a special perk, the attendees were treated to a display of full bloom cherry blossoms that only happen one week out of the year!
The event raised more than $2,700 for NATAPAC.
New NATAPAC Resources
