BILL NUMBER: S2984

SPONSOR: LITTLE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to authorize certain health care professionals licensed to prac-
tice in other jurisdictions to practice in this state in connection with
an event sanctioned by the World Triathlon Corporation; and providing
for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

 
PURPOSE:

This legislation allows health care professionals to perform services at
the Ironman triathlon to be held on July 28, 2019 and Ironman 70.3 to be
held September 8, 2019 in Lake Placid, New York.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 - allows any person who is licensed to practice as a physi-
cian, physician's assistant, massage therapist, physical therapist,
chiropractor, dentist, optometrist, nurse, nurse practitioner, emergency
              

medical technician or podiatrist in another state or territory, who is
in good standing in such state or territory, and who has been appointed
by World Triathlon Corporation to provide professional services to
competitors at these Ironman events.

Section 2 - provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The triathlon in Lake Placid is a one day 2.4-mile swim and 112-mile
bike ride which concludes with a 26.2-mile marathon. As this event is
physically taxing on the athlete, the health and safety of the partic-
ipants in the days before the event and especially during and after the
event are crucial. This legislation would allow licensed health care
professionals from other states who volunteer and are sanctioned by
World Triathlon Corporation to perform services for the athletes.

Especially important at Ironman events is the massage tent that is
available to the athletes following the race where muscle cramps and
minor aches and pains can be attended to. Without this immediate atten-
tion, many of these competitors would require further intensive medical
intervention. The average time an athlete spends in this area is approx-
imately seven minutes, which is not a formal massage treatment by any
means. To service the 1,500 athletes, licensed volunteers from other
states are necessary. Ironman 70.3 which is the same format as the Iron-
man but half the distance. This event will be held on September 8, 2019.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

Legislation of this type has been passed by the Legislature in the past
for the Olympic Games in Lake Placid in 1980 and the Goodwill Games in
New York City in 1997 as well as for the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
and 2018 Ironman USA triathlons in Lake Placid.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed
repealed September 12, 2019.