---
title: Rhode Island Lawmakers Consider Mandating Athletic Trainers in High Schools
description: Rhode Island lawmakers consider requiring Athletic Trainers at all high schools to improve student safety, amid concerns about costs and staffing logistics.
image: https://blog.healthyroster.com/hubfs/Athletic%20Training%20And%20Sports%20Medicine%20News-1.jpg
---

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 June 23, 2026

# Rhode Island Lawmakers Consider Mandating Athletic Trainers in High Schools

![Picture of Tim Clark](https://blog.healthyroster.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tim%20Clark.jpg?width=50&name=Tim%20Clark.jpg) By  [ Tim Clark ](https://blog.healthyroster.com/blog/author/tim-clark)  ·   1 minute read

**![Articles for Athletic Trainers and News Stories](https://blog.healthyroster.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Athletic%20Training%20News%20and%20Articles%20-%20Small.png?width=500&height=150&name=Athletic%20Training%20News%20and%20Articles%20-%20Small.png)**

**PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)** – A new bill before the Rhode Island Senate Education Committee seeks to ensure that every high school in the state has a certified Athletic Trainer on site to respond to medical emergencies.

*“It’s a safety bill,” said Marc DeSisto with the Rhode Island Athletic Trainers’ Association. “This bill … would protect Rhode Island student athletes across all sports. Whether it be violent or not violent, still injuries can occur.”*

The proposed legislation would require all school districts to designate a certified Athletic Trainer at each high school, including both public and private institutions. Currently, more than 60% of Rhode Island high schools do not have a full-time Athletic Trainer, though some set aside funds for part-time coverage.

During Wednesday’s committee hearing, lawmakers raised concerns about the bill’s wording, specifically whether it mandates a trainer for each high school or just one per district. In larger districts like Providence, which has nearly a dozen high schools, officials questioned whether a single trainer could effectively oversee all student-athletes or if multiple trainers would be required.

*“The school districts would have to evaluate as far as how large the athletic programs are and how many student-athletes they have, and whether or not it’s realistic for an Athletic Trainer to be able to serve multiple student-athlete bodies,” said Shawn Petrucci, the Athletic Trainer for North Kingstown High School, in support of the bill.*

Sen. Walter Felag, the bill’s sponsor, acknowledged concerns about cost and staffing but emphasized its importance.

*“You save one life, it’s worth all the money that you can put into it,” he said.*

Lawmakers also discussed additional legislation aimed at improving concussion protocols and requiring sports officials to be trained in EpiPen use. The bills were held for further study. Read the full news story [here](https://www.wpri.com/news/politics/bill-would-require-athletic-trainers-at-ri-high-schools/)! 

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