Episode 51: Jamie Musler - Legislation vs Patient Care, The Fight Facing Athletic Trainers

Despite the expanding role and value of athletic trainers in healthcare, outdated laws, slow-moving legislative processes, and inconsistent regulation are limiting their scope of practice.Jamie Musler, LPD, ATC, is a governor-appointed member and chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health and an executive board member for the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). He has spent decades shaping policy, investigating ethical violations, and advocating for the future of athletic training.In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 NATA Convention, hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth team up with Musler to explore how legislation is written, why meaningful change moves so slowly, and how outdated language continues to restrict where and how athletic trainers can practice. Musler explains how to advocate for better laws and speed up the processes, before shedding light on alternative advocacy paths available to athletic trainers.MEET THE GUEST- Certified Athletic Trainer- Law and Public Policy qualification- Member and chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health- Executive board member for the National Athletic Trainers AssociationTOPICS DISCUSSED- Legislative Process and Lobbying- The Role of Athletic Trainers- Advocacy and Strategy- Professional EthicsHIGHLIGHTS00:51 – What Is Legislative Law?01:34 – Lobbying: Health Professionals vs. Government05:06 – Speeding Up Legislation06:37 – Can NATA Reboot Regulation?08:03 – The Expanding Role of Athletic Trainers09:11 – How Outdated Definitions Limit Athletic Trainers14:04 – The Supervising Physician Relationship16:38 – Licensure vs. Certification Explained18:09 – How Massachusetts Regulates Licenses21:15 – Common Ethical Challenges Seen by NATA24:03 – NATA and the Board of Allied Health26:38 – How To Advocate for Better Laws30:23 – Is the “Athletic Trainer” Title the Problem?32:31 – Engaging the Next Generation of Athletic Trainers35:15 – Musler’s Neck Injury StoryQUOTES:12:52 - “One of the great strengths of athletic trainers is we see our patients far before they get to the traditional healthcare system. We're the original primary care provider.” - Jamie Musler26:07 - “And so much of [ethics] is grounded in societal behaviors and beliefs and upbringing and your morals and values. And, to some extent, it is a moving target, and different people could have different ethical values. The challenge is, can a profession set clear boundaries that establish the ethics of that discipline?” - Jamie Musler28:54 - “My mindset has changed considerably. What we've been trying to do in athletic training is attack the problem from the most difficult perspective: changing a law. I'm starting to believe that there are other routes.” - Jamie Musler29:38 - “It might be easier to move the needle by dealing with the administrative side as opposed to the legislative one.” - Jamie MuslerLINKSJamie Musler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-musler-47b493aNATA: https://www.nata.orgMassachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health and Human Services Professions: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professionsSponsorsMet One Technologies: http://www.met1tech.com/Get Raw Wellness Shots: https://www.getrawshots.com/DISCLAIMERThe opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.#HealthcareLegislation #athletictrainer #healthprofessionals #MedicalEthics #NATA