Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0150 - Athletic Trainers
Tennessee Administrative Code - Title 0150: Athletic Trainers
Title 0150 of the Tennessee Administrative Code (TAC) pertains to the Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers and the practice of athletic training in Tennessee. This title establishes the rules and regulations that govern the licensing, conduct, and practice standards for athletic trainers in the state. The Board ensures that athletic trainers in Tennessee are properly trained, credentialed, and adhere to ethical and professional standards while providing care to athletes and physically active individuals.
The Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers is responsible for regulating the practice of athletic training to ensure public safety, promote professional development, and uphold high standards of care for individuals engaged in sports and physical activities.
Overview of Title 0150 - Athletic Trainers
Title 0150 sets out the legal framework for the licensure of athletic trainers, their professional duties and responsibilities, as well as the standards of practice within the state. It includes guidelines for the education and training required for licensure, continuing education requirements, and disciplinary procedures for addressing violations of state laws or ethical standards.
1. General Provisions
The general provisions section of Title 0150 outlines the Board's authority, its purpose, and definitions related to the practice of athletic training.
a. Purpose and Authority:
The Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers is responsible for enforcing the rules outlined in Title 0150. The Board’s purpose is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that only qualified individuals practice athletic training.
The Tennessee Athletic Training Act (Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 24) provides the legal framework under which the Board operates. Title 0150 reflects the provisions of this Act and aligns with national standards in athletic training.
b. Definitions:
Athletic Trainer: An individual licensed by the Board to practice athletic training in Tennessee. An athletic trainer is trained to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate injuries that occur in athletes and physically active individuals.
Athletic Training: The practice of providing prevention, clinical evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning of injuries and medical conditions related to physical activity.
2. Licensure and Qualifications
Title 0150 outlines the requirements for obtaining and renewing a license to practice athletic training in Tennessee.
a. Licensing Requirements:
To become licensed as an athletic trainer in Tennessee, an individual must meet several key qualifications:
Education: Completion of a Board-approved education program in athletic training. Typically, this involves earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in athletic training from an accredited program.
Certification: The applicant must hold national certification from the Board of Certification (BOC). The BOC exam is a required step in becoming a certified athletic trainer (ATC).
Application: Submission of a completed application to the Board, along with the payment of fees and proof of certification.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants must undergo a background check to ensure they have no criminal history that would disqualify them from licensure.
b. License Renewal:
Continuing Education: Athletic trainers must complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their license. The Board sets specific CE requirements (e.g., hours of education) for license renewal, ensuring that practitioners stay updated on industry best practices, injury treatment protocols, and emerging research.
Renewal Process: The license is typically renewed on a biennial basis. Athletic trainers must submit a renewal application, provide proof of CE, and pay a renewal fee.
c. Temporary Licensure:
In certain cases, individuals who meet the educational and certification requirements but are awaiting exam results or licensure approval may apply for temporary licensure to practice as an athletic trainer in Tennessee.
3. Standards of Practice and Professional Conduct
Title 0150 outlines the professional conduct and standards of practice for licensed athletic trainers in Tennessee. These standards ensure that athletic trainers practice safely, ethically, and in the best interests of the athletes they serve.
a. Scope of Practice:
Athletic trainers in Tennessee are authorized to perform the following duties:
Prevention: Athletic trainers must work to prevent injuries through proper conditioning programs, education on safety, and use of protective equipment.
Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis: Athletic trainers assess injuries, provide initial diagnoses, and determine the severity of injuries. However, a licensed physician must confirm any diagnosis and determine long-term treatment.
Rehabilitation: Athletic trainers design and implement rehabilitation programs to help injured athletes recover and return to play. This includes exercises, therapeutic modalities, and functional movement training.
Emergency Care: Athletic trainers are trained to provide emergency care for acute injuries, including the management of sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations.
Athletic Health Education: Educating athletes on proper nutrition, hydration, conditioning, and injury prevention strategies is an essential part of the athletic trainer's role.
b. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct:
Patient Welfare: Athletic trainers are required to prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes above all else.
Confidentiality: Athletic trainers must maintain patient confidentiality and protect sensitive medical information unless disclosure is required by law.
Competence: Athletic trainers must maintain a high standard of competence in their practice by continually upgrading their knowledge and skills through continuing education.
c. Prohibited Conduct:
Unprofessional Behavior: Acts of dishonesty, fraud, and unethical behavior can result in disciplinary action. Examples include falsifying patient records, practicing beyond the scope of licensure, or engaging in inappropriate relationships with athletes.
Substance Abuse: Athletic trainers are prohibited from practicing under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the Board has specific rules for handling substance abuse issues, including possible rehabilitation programs.
4. Disciplinary Actions and Enforcement
The Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers is responsible for investigating complaints and enforcing the regulations set out in Title 0150. Violations of the rules may result in disciplinary action.
a. Grounds for Disciplinary Action:
Unprofessional Conduct: Engaging in unethical or unprofessional conduct, including fraud, dishonesty, or misrepresentation, is grounds for discipline.
Substance Abuse: Athletic trainers found to be impaired by drugs or alcohol may face suspension or revocation of their license.
Failure to Comply with Continuing Education: Failure to meet the continuing education requirements can lead to fines, probation, or suspension of licensure.
Failure to Maintain Competence: Practicing beyond the scope of the athletic trainer’s qualifications or failing to provide safe and effective care can lead to disciplinary measures.
Criminal Convictions: A criminal conviction, particularly for offenses that reflect poorly on the professional conduct of an athletic trainer, can lead to license revocation or suspension.
b. Disciplinary Process:
Investigation: When a complaint is filed against an athletic trainer, the Board may investigate the complaint to determine whether the individual has violated any regulations or ethical standards.
Hearing: The Board may hold a formal hearing to determine if disciplinary action is warranted. During this process, the athletic trainer has the opportunity to present their case.
Penalties: If violations are confirmed, the Board may impose penalties such as fines, probation, suspension, or permanent revocation of the athletic trainer's license.
5. Continuing Education Requirements
Title 0150 specifies that licensed athletic trainers must participate in continuing education (CE) to maintain their licensure. CE ensures that practitioners are kept up-to-date with the latest practices, advancements, and research in the field of athletic training.
a. CE Requirements:
Number of Hours: Athletic trainers are typically required to complete a certain number of CE hours every renewal period (e.g., 30 hours every 2 years).
Approved Providers: CE courses must be offered by Board-approved providers, such as accredited professional organizations or universities.
b. Topics Covered:
CE may cover a wide range of topics, including:
Advances in sports medicine and injury prevention.
New rehabilitation techniques and therapeutic modalities.
Legal and ethical standards in athletic training.
Advances in nutrition and physical therapy for athletes.
6. Inspections and Audits
The Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers has the authority to conduct audits and inspections of athletic training practices and facilities to ensure compliance with licensing requirements and professional standards.
Facility Inspections: If an athletic trainer works in a clinic, school, or sports facility, that facility may be inspected for compliance with safety and professional standards.
Record Audits: The Board may also audit an athletic trainer’s continuing education records and other documentation to ensure that they are in compliance with state regulations.
Conclusion
Title 0150 of the Tennessee Administrative Code provides a comprehensive framework for regulating the practice of athletic training in Tennessee. The rules cover all aspects of the profession, from licensure and qualifications to the standards of practice and continuing education requirements. Through these regulations, the Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers ensures that athletic trainers in the state are qualified, competent, and ethically responsible, safeguarding the health and well-being of athletes and physically active individuals.
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