Sec. 10.32.08.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Accredited athletic training educational program” means an athletic training educational program that:

(a) Awards either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in athletic training; and

(b) Is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education or its successor.

(2) “Alternate supervising physician” means one or more physicians designated by the supervising physician to provide supervision of an athletic trainer:

(a) During the absence of the supervising physician; and

(b) In accordance with the evaluation and treatment protocol on file with the Board.

(3) “Athlete” means an individual who participates in an athletic activity.

(4) “Athletic activity” means an exercise, recreation, sport, competition, or game that:

(a) Requires physical strength, range of motion, flexibility, control, speed, stamina, or agility; and

(b) Is associated with a setting as defined under this section, an educational institution or a professional, amateur, or recreational sports club or athletic organization.

(5) “Athletic injury” means an injury that affects an athlete’s participation or performance in an athletic activity.

(6) “Board” means the State Board of Physicians.

(7) “Certifying board” means the Board of Certification, Inc., or its successor.

(8) “Committee” means the Athletic Trainer Advisory Committee of the Board.

(9) “Evaluation and treatment protocol” means a document that is executed by a physician and an athletic trainer that meets the requirements in Regulation .06 of this chapter.

(10) “Immediately available instruction” means instruction provided by the supervising physician to the athletic trainer in person, by telephone, or by other electronic means.

(11) “Licensed athletic trainer” means an individual licensed by the Board to practice athletic training.

(12) “Licensed health care practitioner” means an individual licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized to practice a health occupation under Health Occupations Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(13) “Nonsupervising physician” means a physician licensed by the Board who is not the supervising physician of the athletic trainer.

(14) “Outside referral” means a request for treatment from a nonsupervising physician or licensed health care practitioner.

(15) “Physician” means an individual licensed to practice medicine in Maryland under Health Occupations Article, Title 14, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(16) Practice Athletic Training.

(a) “Practice athletic training” means application of the following principles and methods for managing athletic injuries for athletes in good overall health under the supervision of a licensed physician:

(i) Prevention;

(ii) Clinical evaluation and assessment;

(iii) Immediate care; and

(iv) Treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning.

(b) “Practice athletic training” includes:

(i) Organization and administration of an athletic training program; and

(ii) Instruction to coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, and community members regarding the care and prevention of athletic injuries.

(c) “Practice athletic training” does not include any of the following:

(i) The practice of chiropractic, including adjustments, manipulation, or high-velocity mobilizations of the spine or extremities;

(ii) The practice of massage therapy;

(iii) The practice of medicine;

(iv) The practice of occupational therapy;

(v) The practice of physical therapy;

(vi) The practice of podiatry;

(vii) The reconditioning of systemic neurologic injuries, conditions, or disease; or

(viii) Except for the conditioning of an athlete under the supervision of a treating physician, the treatment, rehabilitation, or reconditioning of nonathletic injuries or disease.

(17) “Setting” means a:

(a) Location where an athletic activity, as defined in §B(4) of this regulation, is being held;

(b) Health or fitness club;

(c) Clinic or hospital;

(d) Corporation; or

(e) Government agency.

(18) “Supervising physician” means a physician who has been approved by the Board to supervise one or more athletic trainers.

(19) “Supervision” means the responsibility of a physician to provide ongoing and immediately available instruction, in person, by telephone, or by other electronic means, that is adequate to ensure the safety and welfare of a patient and is appropriate to the setting.

(20) “Supervision mechanism” means continuous availability to the athletic trainer of a supervising physician by one or more of the following means:

(a) On-site supervision;

(b) Written instructions;

(c) Electronic means;

(d) Verbal orders; and

(e) Designation of an alternate supervising physician.

(21) Therapeutic Modalities.

(a) “Therapeutic modalities” means a variety of physical agents used to treat athletic injuries in an effort to decrease pain, reduce inflammation, decrease swelling, decrease muscle spasm, and provide a proper environment for the healing process to take place.

(b) “Therapeutic modalities” does not include the use of a prescription or nonprescription drug.