Associate Professor Dr. Racheal Lawler played a key leadership role in the passage of legislation modernizing Tennessee’s Athletic Training Practice Act, the first update to the law in nearly 30 years.

The updated law, signed by Gov. Bill Lee on June 4 and taking effect July 1, recognizes athletic trainers in Tennessee as health care providers and expands their scope of practice to include additional patient-care and emergency medical responsibilities. It also streamlines licensure for athletic trainers relocating to Tennessee from other states.

Lawler, who serves as president of the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society (TATS), worked with members of the organization, including Government Affairs Committee (GAC) Chair Johnnie Anderson and the executive board, to guide the legislative process. She also helped draft the statutory language included in the final bill.

As TATS president, Lawler was involved throughout the multi-year effort to revise the state’s Athletic Training Practice Act. The process included legislative training through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), development of proposed statutory updates, and collaboration with state legislators and stakeholders as the bill moved through the General Assembly.

“This legislation represents a major step forward for athletic training in Tennessee,” said Lawler. “It reflects years of collaboration and a shared commitment to ensuring athletic trainers are fully recognized for the critical role they play in health care and emergency response.”

The updated law strengthens athletic training services across the state, particularly in school, collegiate, and clinical settings, where athletic trainers serve as frontline health care professionals responsible for injury prevention, evaluation, and emergency care. It also allows expanded care in certain emergency situations, including treatment related to exertional heat illness.

According to Lawler, these changes will have a significant impact on both patient care and workforce development in Tennessee.

“We have been teaching these skills to our students for more than a decade, but they were not fully permitted under Tennessee law,” Lawler said. “This created challenges for graduates seeking to remain in the state. I hope this update helps retain talented professionals in Tennessee and allows them to practice at the highest level of their training while better serving their communities.”

In recognition of their leadership in advancing legislation to modernize Tennessee’s Athletic Training Practice Act, Lawler and members of TATS were honored with the Dan Campbell Legislative Award from NATA on June 29. They have also been selected to receive the Dave Montgomery Legislative Award from the Board of Certification in August for their legislative efforts.

Dr. Bill Estes, dean of Lee University’s College of Education, said Lawler’s leadership reflects the broader impact of faculty expertise beyond the classroom.

“Dr. Lawler’s leadership and advocacy reflect both her professional expertise and her commitment to advancing the field of athletic training,” said Estes. “Her work has strengthened the profession and expanded support for health care providers, students and patients across Tennessee.”

Lawler is an associate professor of athletic training and clinical coordinator of education in athletic training at Lee. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, clinical athletic training and health care administration.

She earned a doctorate in athletic training from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, a master’s degree from the University of Central Missouri, and a bachelor’s degree from Lambuth University.