Athletic Trainers - As enacted, authorizes athletic trainers to use dry needling to carry out the practice of prevention, recognition, evaluation, management, disposition, treatment, or rehabilitation of athletic injuries; requires the board of athletic trainers to establish minimum competency requirements for an athletic trainer to demonstrate in order to practice dry needling. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 63.

SB 224 allows licensed athletic trainers in Tennessee to use dry needling as part of their care for athletic injuries, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The bill requires the Board of Athletic Trainers to establish minimum competency standards that practitioners must meet to perform dry needling. This change directly affects athletic trainers who currently cannot use dry needling without physician supervision under existing rules. The law amends Tennessee Code Sections 63-24-101 and 63-24-109 to formalize these provisions, effective July 1, 2025.