ALBANY — As it does every year, the state Senate on Monday approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Betty Little that will allow out-of-state health care professionals to provide services for athletes competing in this year’s two Lake Placid Ironman triathlons.

The exception, sponsored by Little, has been needed each year since the Lake Placid Ironman began in 1999 because New York does not normally allow health care professionals from other states to practice here.

Licensed professionals from out of state — including massage therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, podiatrists and athletic trainers — would have to be in good standing within their state or territory and would be required to be appointed by World Triathlon Corporation to provide services to competitors.

A companion bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Dan Stec. Both he and Little are Republicans from Queensbury whose districts include Essex County and Lake Placid.

“The intense nature of these competitions require access to health care services for the safety and recovery of the athletes,” Little said in a press release. “This legislation assures an adequate number of health professionals are available.”

The full-length, 140.6-mile Ironman Lake Placid is scheduled to be held on July 22, and the half-length Ironman 70.3 Lake Placid will be held on Sept. 9.