Senate Bill S8658

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8658

SPONSOR: STEC
 
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 19, 2026 in Lake Placid, New
York.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 - Allows any person who is licensed to practice as a physi-
cian, physician assistant, massage therapist, physical therapist, chiro-
practor, dentist, optometrist, nurse practitioner, emergency medical
technician or podiatrist in any state or territory, who is in good
              

standing in such state or territory, who has been appointed by World
Triathlon Corporation to provide professional services to competitors at
these Ironman events.

Section 2 -Provides effective date and date of repeal.

 
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 he 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
approximately 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. This event will be held on July 19, 2026.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

Legislation of this type has been passed by the Legislature in the past
for the Olympic Games in Lake Placid in 1900 and the Goodwill Games in
New York City in 1997 as well as for the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006,2007,2008,2009,2020 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,
2018,2019,2021,2022,2023, 2024 and 2025 Ironmen USA Triathlons in Lake
Placid.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed
repealed July 22, 2026.