Sec. 10.32.08.05. Scope of Practice

A. The scope of practice of an athletic trainer in the domain of injury prevention and wellness protection includes the following:

(1) Minimization of risk of injury of athletes through awareness and education;

(2) Monitoring of environmental conditions to facilitate individual and group safety of athletes;

(3) Maintenance or enhancement of physical conditioning of athletes; and

(4) Promotion of a healthy lifestyle of athletes using appropriate education and communication strategies to enhance wellness and minimize the risk of injury and illness.

B. The scope of practice of an athletic trainer in the domain of clinical evaluation and assessment includes the following with respect to athletes:

(1) Obtaining athlete’s health history through observation, interview, and records review;

(2) Examining athlete’s body to assess the type and extent of the athletic injury;

(3) Formulating a clinical assessment; and

(4) Communicating information about the athletic injury to appropriate persons including the athlete.

C. The scope of practice of an athletic trainer in the domain of immediate and emergency care includes the following with respect to athletes:

(1) Immediate and emergency procedures including:

(a) CPR;

(b) Applying ice;

(c) Splinting;

(d) Elevation;

(e) Pressure;

(f) Bandaging for bleeding; and

(g) Proper immobilization of spine or other body parts; and

(2) Making appropriate referrals so that the athlete will obtain appropriate follow-up.

D. The scope of practice of an athletic trainer in the domain of treatment and rehabilitation includes the following activities, performed in an approved setting, with respect to athletes with athletic injuries:

(1) Administering therapeutic and conditioning exercises as identified by the evaluation and treatment protocols of the supervising physician;

(2) Administering therapeutic modalities as identified by the evaluation and treatment protocols of the supervising physician;

(3) Applying braces, splints, or other assistive devices as identified by the evaluation and treatment protocols of the supervising physician; and

(4) Reassessing the status of injuries, illnesses, or conditions using appropriate techniques and documentation strategies to:

(a) Determine appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, or reconditioning for injuries; and

(b) Evaluate readiness to return to desired level of activity with respect to injuries, illnesses, or conditions.

E. The scope of practice of an athletic trainer in the domain of organization and management includes the following activities:

(1) Maintenance of medical records with respect to all athletes who receive emergency care, assessment, or treatment;

(2) Planning and organization of an athletic training program; and

(3) Instructing others in prevention of and care for athletic injuries.

F. The athletic trainer may accept an outside referral from a nonsupervising physician or licensed health care practitioner if:

(1) The supervising physician specifies in the evaluation and treatment protocol that the athletic trainer may accept referrals from nonsupervising physicians or other licensed health care practitioners;

(2) The nonsupervising physician or licensed health care practitioner has seen the athlete and has written an order for the care; and

(3) The duties are:

(a) Within the scope of practice of an athletic trainer; and

(b) Among the duties delegated in the evaluation and treatment protocol.