Ala. Code § 34-40-2

Current through the 2024 Regular Session.

Section 34-40-2 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings, respectively, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) ADVISORY COUNCIL. The Advisory Council of the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers created pursuant to Section 34-40-3.2.

(2) ATHLETIC INJURY. An injury or condition sustained as a result of, or limiting the preparation for or participation in, an exercise, sport, game, recreational activity, or any other activity that requires a level of strength, endurance, flexibility, or agility that is comparable to the level of strength, endurance, flexibility, or agility required for an exercise, sport, game, or recreational activity; or any injury that a physician deems would benefit from athletic training services.

(3) ATHLETIC TRAINER. An individual licensed by the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers and under the direction or referral, or both, of a licensed physician after meeting the requirements of this chapter and rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(4) ATHLETIC TRAINING PRACTICE. Practice by an athletic trainer of any of the following:

a. The application of care for an athletic injury, including the application or provision of:

(i) principles, methods, and procedures of recognition, examination, assessment, clinical evaluation, prevention, management, emergency care, disposition, or rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries;

(ii) appropriate preventive and supportive devices;

(iii) treatment using physical modalities such as heat, cold, light, mechanical devices, electric stimulation, manual therapy techniques, aquatic therapy, sound, or therapeutic exercise; and

(iv) any other physical agent that is included within the written protocols allowed by the State Board of Medical Examiners and prescribed by a physician.

b. The organization and administration of athletic training programs, including health care administration and professional responsibility.

c. The provision of athletic training, education, and guidance to physically active individuals, coaches, medical personnel, and the community in the prevention and care of athletic injuries.

d. The recognition of potential illnesses and referrals to a physician for diagnosis and treatment.

e. The provision of injury prevention services developed for physically active individuals.

(5) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.

(6) INJURY PREVENTION. Care and guidance related to risk management, including biomechanics, conditioning, flexibility, energy requirements, strength training, and fitness.

(7) PHYSICAL THERAPIST. A physical therapist licensed by the Alabama State Board of Physical Therapy.

(8) PHYSICIAN. A physician licensed by the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama.

(9) PHYSICIAN SUPERVISION.

a. An athletic trainer acting under the supervision of a physician if:

1. The activities are undertaken pursuant to a verbal or written order of the physician who has evaluated the physically active individual; or

2. The activity is undertaken in accordance with a written protocol signed by the physician which describes the athletic injury encountered and directs appropriate medical interventions consistent with the qualification, training, and experience of the athletic trainer. The State Board of Medical Examiners shall establish medical criteria for any protocol used by athletic trainers and shall specify those conditions and circumstances that require referral to the physician for further evaluation.

b. Physician supervision establishes a formal relationship between an athletic trainer and a physician under which the athletic trainer is authorized to practice as evidenced by a written protocol approved by the State Board of Medical Examiners and requires professional oversight and direction pursuant to the rules of the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers as recommended by the advisory council. No rule adopted pursuant to this paragraph shall be effective without the approval of both the State Board of Medical Examiners and the board.

Ala. Code § 34-40-2 (1975)

Amended by Act 2021-113,§ 1, eff. 6/1/2021.

Acts 1993, No. 93-617, p. 1013, §2.