Title: Description of AT Services
Author: judyp
Company: nata

ATHLETIC TRAINING SERVICES

An Overview of Skills and Services Performed by Certified Athletic Trainers

National Athletic Trainers’ Association January, 2010

Copyright 2010

AT SERVICES PROJECT TEAM

Work Group Members
Lou Fincher, EdD, ATC, LAT (Chair) Kristine Boyle-Walker, MPT, OCS, ATC Sara Brown, MS, ATC
Kimberly Detwiler, MS, ATC, CSCS Katherine Dieringer, EdD, ATC, LAT Dwight Eric McDonnell, MEd, ATC, LAT Bernadette Olson, EdD, ATC
Eric Sauers, PhD, ATC Patrick Sexton, EdD, ATC

NATA Board of Directors Representatives Marjorie Albohm, MS, ATC, President James Thornton, MA, ATC, PES

NATA Staff
Eve Becker-Doyle, CAE Cate Brennan Lisak, MBA, CAE
Judy W. Pulice, CAE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Introduction	7
Domain I: Injury/illness prevention and wellness protection	9
Domain II: Clinical evaluation and diagnosis	11
Domain III: Immediate and emergency care	13
Domain IV: Treatment and rehabilitation	15
Domain V: Organizational and professional health and well-being	17
Appendix A	19
Appendix B	21
Appendix C	23
Appendix D	25

Description of AT Services
Final Draft November 6, 2009

Introduction

Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize patient and client activity and participation in athletics, work and life. The practice of athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination and diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergent, acute, subacute, and chronic neuromusculoskeletal conditions and certain medical conditions in order to minimize subsequent impairments, functional limitations, disability, and societal limitations.

The Athletic Training Scope of Practice is defined within two professional publications: the Athletic Training Educational Competencies (Competencies) published by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the Role Delineation Study (RDS) conducted and published by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). Eligibility for the BOC exam is contingent upon completion of a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) that must instruct the Competencies within the curriculum. Passage of the certifying examination is a requirement for licensure in most states.
Athletic trainers’ work settings can include high schools, colleges, universities, professional sports teams, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, physicians’ offices, corporate and industrial institutions, the military, and the performing arts. Regardless of their practice setting, athletic trainers practice athletic training (or provide athletic training services) according to their education and state practice act.

While the core documents (the Competencies and the RDS) define the minimal professional preparation necessary for entry into the practice of athletic training, other variables such as individual state practice acts and their implementing regulations must also be considered. Also, athletic trainers participate in continuing education as part of professional practice requirements. This continuing education may result in the achievement of additional qualifications and enhanced skill sets.

This Athletic Training Services document was created to provide a clear and concise description of the qualifications and skills of athletic trainers, as well as their role in the delivery of quality health care. The clinical tasks routinely performed by athletic trainers are organized according to the five domain areas established by the RDS.

I | Injury/illness prevention and wellness protection
II | Clinical evaluation and diagnosis
III | Immediate and emergency care
IV | Treatment and rehabilitation
V | Organizational and professional health and well- being
Because this document represents a synthesis of the 4^th edition of the Athletic Training Educational Competencies and the 6^th edition of the Role Delineation Study, brief overviews of these two publications are provided in Appendix A and B, respectively. Both the Competencies and the RDS are generally revised every five years to ensure that they reflect the most current science and evidence- based clinical practice guidelines. Consequently, this Athletic Training Services document will also be updated regularly to reflect the current clinical practice guidelines presented in the Competencies or RDS.

Athletic trainers are also expected to practice ethically and professionally, regardless of their position, work setting, or patient/client population. Published as part of the Competencies, the Foundational Behaviors provide a framework for the affective behaviors that athletic trainers should display when entering the profession. The BOC Standards of Professional Practice also provide an outline for the professional expectations of athletic trainers. The Foundational Behaviors and the BOC Professional Standards of Practice are included in Appendix C and D, respectively.
This document addresses the competencies of entry-level athletic training as practiced by a graduate of an accredited athletic training education program. Post-professional education and training, as well as continuing education, may prepare individuals to perform services, modalities, functions or procedures beyond the professional education. Those individual qualifications must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Description of AT Services
Domain One

Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection
Athletic trainers are educated and trained in injury and illness prevention strategies that focus on optimizing health to improve an individual’s quality of life. Athletic trainers are the only health care professionals whose expertise in prevention ranges from minor sprains to catastrophic head and neck injuries, and from minor illnesses to exertional heat syndrome. Nutrition and wellness also play an integral role in the athletic trainers’ work in preventing injury and illness. Athletic trainers recognize when consultation with other health care providers is necessary and refer accordingly.

This list indentifies examples of skills that athletic trainers routinely use for injury and illness prevention.

Assess patients or clients to screen for potential injuries/illnesses or risk factors that would increase their risk of injury/illness. These screening procedures may include, but are not limited to:
pre-participation physical exams
musculoskeletal flexibility assessment
muscular strength and endurance assessment
cardiovascular fitness assessment
postural and ergonomic assessment
body composition assessment
Design and implement conditioning programs (flexibility, strength, cardiovascular fitness) to reduce the risk of injury and illness.

Design and implement emergency action plans to ensure medical personnel are prepared in an emergency situation.

Obtain and interpret environmental (e.g., ambient temperature, relative humidity, heat index, lightning) and patient/client data (e.g., hydration status) to make appropriate recommendations for patient or client safety and the continuance or suspension of activity.

Educate patients or clients, coaches, and parents on the importance of acclimatization and fluid and electrolyte balance in the prevention of heat illness.

Inspect facilities to ensure they are free of hazards, are sanitary, and that equipment is maintained properly.
Select, apply, evaluate, and modify prophylactic and protective equipment and other custom devices for patients/clients to minimize the risk of injury or re-injury.

Educate and advise patients and clients regarding the nutritional aspects of physical activity. Proper nutrition can enhance performance, prevent injury and illness, and assist patients or clients in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the athletic trainer is often the first point of contact for active patients/clients with nutritional questions. With regard to nutrition, athletic trainers:
Educate patients or clients about dietary needs related to the amount and type of activity being performed
Effectively explain the difference in the role of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, fluids, electrolytes in the diet of an active individual
Refer patients or clients to appropriate medical professional for assessment or evaluation of nutritional needs
Identify and explain illnesses attributed to poor nutrition and advise patients/clients accordingly or refer to another medical professional
Educate patients or clients regarding nutrition habits prior to, during, and after physical activity
Educate patients or clients regarding ergogenic aids and other performance enhancing substances, and also understand FDA regulation of dietary products
Educate patients or clients regarding weight loss/gain, weight control methods, and strategies for performance enhancement
Communicate risks regarding substance abuse (social or performance enhancing) or improper dietary habits

Description of AT Services
Domain Two

Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis

Athletic trainers are educated and trained to examine patients/clients who have acute, subacute, or chronic musculoskeletal disorders and medical conditions and to arrive at a differential diagnosis regarding suspected pathologies. Based on this assessment, athletic trainers determine the impairments, functional limitations and the disabilities that result from these injuries and illnesses.
Effective examination requires a thorough understanding of musculoskeletal and systemic anatomy, and the physiological response to injury and illness.
Examination is an ongoing process focused on meeting the changing needs of the patient/client. Athletic trainers recognize when consultation with other health care providers is necessary and refer accordingly.

This list identifies examples of skills that athletic trainers routinely use when examining patients or clients with orthopedic and medical conditions and illnesses.

Perform a comprehensive examination of the patient/client with an orthopedic injury or medical condition that includes:

Obtaining a thorough medical history, including an assessment of underlying systemic disease and consideration of its potential contributions to the current disorder. This history includes obtaining a description of the current disorder, prior injuries and comorbidities that may influence the current condition, pertinent family history, and a detailed investigation of potential causative factors and resulting disabilities.

Conducting a physical examination, including (as relevant) observation of the patient/client performing functional tasks (such as walking, reaching, running, throwing); observation and palpation for any detectable changes; joint and muscle function assessment; review of systems; stress testing; joint play; assessments for neurological and vascular abnormalities; and special tests designed to detect selective tissue or organ involvement.

Arriving at a differential diagnosis (including those conditions that cannot be ruled out based on the exam), determining functional deficits and understanding the impact of the condition on the patient/client’s life.

Recognizing the role of medications in the management of orthopedic injuries and medical illnesses.
Identifying disordered eating and nutritional disorders and intervene and refer accordingly
Create a treatment plan based on the findings of the initial examination, subsequent examinations and the needs of the patient or client that assists with functional recovery.

Communicate the nature of the examination and resulting treatment plan to the patient or client and other involved health care personnel, while respecting the privacy of the patient/client.

Description of AT Services
Domain Three

Immediate and Emergency Care
Athletic trainers are educated and trained to provide standard immediate and emergency care procedures to patients and clients. Athletic trainers also recognize when consultation with other health care providers is necessary and refer accordingly.

This list identifies examples of skills that athletic trainers routinely use when providing immediate and emergency care.

Perform an initial assessment of the patient or client to determine his/her level of consciousness and the severity of the condition.

Implement appropriate emergency injury and illness management strategies following a pre-established emergency action plan (e.g., CPR, AED, splinting, use of spine board, control of bleeding, control of body temperature, use of epinephrine for anaphylaxis)

Perform a secondary assessment and employ the appropriate management strategies for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses including, but not limited to:
Open and closed wounds (using universal precautions)
Head trauma
Environmental illness
Seizure
Acute asthma attack
Different types of shock
Thoracic, respiratory, and internal organ injury or illness
Acute musculoskeletal injuries
Spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries
Diabetic emergency
Toxic drug overdose
Allergic, thermal, and chemical reactions of the skin
Formulate a differential diagnosis based on the results of the initial and/or secondary assessment(s).

Communicate the nature of the injury or illness and the resulting treatment plan to the patient/client and other involved health care personnel, respecting the privacy of the patient/client.

Description of AT Services
Domain Four

Treatment and Rehabilitation
Athletic trainers are educated and trained to assess the status of a patient’s or client’s post-operative, chronic, acute and subacute musculoskeletal injuries, illnesses and/or conditions to determine impairments, functional limitations and disability. Based on this assessment, athletic trainers determine the appropriate treatment goals and therapeutic interventions to reduce the extent of a patient’s or client’s disability. Athletic trainers modify the treatment plans based on continual/regular assessment of the patient/client, and discharge the patient/client once treatment goals are met or the patient’s or client’s condition is no longer improving. Athletic trainers recognize when consultation with other health care providers is necessary and refer accordingly.

This list identifies examples of skills that athletic trainers routinely use when providing rehabilitation services.

Select, apply and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions using best evidence to guide those decisions. Interventions used by athletic trainers include:

Manual therapy (e.g., massage, joint mobilization, proprioceptive techniques, muscle energy techniques)

Techniques to restore joint range of motion and muscle extensibility
Exercises to improve strength, endurance, speed and power

Proprioceptive activities to improve balance, neuromuscular control and coordination

Agility training
Exercises to improve cardiorespiratory fitness
Sports specific and/or functional exercises
Modalities
Thermal agents (e.g., hot pack, cold pack, etc.)
Electrical stimulation
Therapeutic ultrasound
Mechanical agents (e.g., traction)
Therapeutic laser
Biofeedback

Recommend, fit and apply braces, splints and assistive devices to facilitate the patient/client’s recovery.
Assess the patient’s or client’s functional status, interpret the results and determine the patient’s or client’s ability to return to his or her desired activity.

Activity-specific skill assessment
Ergonomics
Work hardening/work conditioning
Recognize the role of medications in the recovery process.
Provide patient or client education necessary to facilitate recovery. This includes instruction in self-treatment and education about the condition and its expected course.

Description of AT Services
Domain Five

Organizational and Professional Health and Well-Being
Athletic trainers possess the skills necessary to develop, administer and manage a healthcare facility and associated venues that provide healthcare services.
Athletic trainers have the skill set to utilize human, physical, and fiscal resources to provide efficient and effective healthcare services.

This list identifies examples of administrative skills that athletic trainers routinely use in the delivery of athletic training services.

Use best evidence and the needs of the patient/client to guide their practice.

Ensure compliance with state and federal law and accrediting agencies’ policies related to the delivery of healthcare:

Appropriately use protected information, documentation and patient education in conformance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Federal Education Rights Privacy Act (FERPA)

Document and practice appropriate infection controls, equipment safety, environmental hazards safety and facility maintenance as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Administer programs appropriately per the accrediting agencies for healthcare facilities (e.g., Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations [JCAHO], Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care [AAAHC])
Utilize standard coding and reimbursement practices (ICD-9 and CPT codes) for documentation and billing.

Maintain medical records that meet legal and regulatory standards, including complete and accurate documentation, accepted abbreviations and correct medical terminology.

Abide by federal, state, and local regulations for the proper storage, transportation, dispensing (administering where appropriate), and documentation of commonly used medications.

Develop and implement policies and procedures related to employment, fiscal management and operations of a healthcare facility, including:

Human resource policy and employee handbook to guide the operation of athletic training services within a healthcare facility, and in conformance with state and federal employment law

Emergency action plans (EAP)
Risk management plans
Operational and capital budgets

Programs compliant with federal statutes and regulations (e.g., Title IX, Civil Rights Act, ADA and the Buckley Amendment, Medicare, CMS)

APPENDIX A
Overview of the NATA Athletic Training Educational Competencies
The Athletic Training Educational Competencies (Competencies), which are published by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), identify the minimum knowledge and skills that athletic training students are required to master during their educational preparation in Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited Athletic Training Education Programs (ATEPs). The breadth and depth of the Competencies are designed to exceed that of the RDS, while still containing all of the knowledge and skills identified by the RDS. The knowledge (cognitive competencies), skills (psychomotor competencies), and application (clinical proficiencies) statements contained with the Competencies are organized across 12 content areas:

Risk Management and Injury Prevention
Pathology of Injuries and Illnesses
Orthopedic Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
General Medical Conditions and Disabilities
Acute Care of Injuries and Illnesses
Therapeutic Modalities
Conditioning and Rehabilitative Exercise
Pharmacology
Psychosocial Intervention and Referral
Nutritional Aspects of Injuries and Illnesses
Health Care Administration
Professional Development and Responsibilities.
It should be noted that the Competencies are not the only things an athletic training student must learn. To fully understand and apply the athletic training knowledge and skills, students must possess a comprehensive basic and applied science background. Additional coursework may include, but is not limited to, chemistry, biology, physics, physiology, psychology, and statistics. Also, students must complete extensive, structured and supervised clinical education rotations working with patients and clients in an athletic training clinical setting. These experiences provide students with the valuable opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills, while also developing vital clinical decision-making skills.

The Competencies, in concert with the revised RDS, are critically reviewed and revised every five years to ensure that they reflect the most current science and evidence-based practice guidelines.
(Athletic Training Educational Competencies, 4^th Edition. Dallas, TX: National Athletic Trainers’ Association; 2006)

APPENDIX B

Overview of the BOC Role Delineation Study (RDS)
The Role Delineation Study (RDS), which is conducted and published by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC), defines the minimum knowledge and skills necessary for the practice of Athletic Training and serves as the blueprint for developing the BOC Athletic Trainer Certification Examination. This document contains knowledge, skills and task statements organized across five domains. The five domains of the RDS are described below.

I | Injury/illness prevention and wellness protection | Educating participants and managing risk for safe performance and function.
II | Clinical evaluation and diagnosis | Implementing standard evaluation techniques and formulating a clinical impression for the determination of a course of action.
III | Immediate and emergency care | Employing standard care procedures and communicating outcomes for efficient and appropriate care of the injured.
IV | Treatment and rehabilitation | Reconditioning participants for optimal performance and function.
V | Organizational and professional health and well-being | Understanding and adhering to approved organizational and professional practices and guidelines to ensure individual and organizational well-being.
Role Delineation Study. 6^th ed. Omaha, NE: Board of Certification; 2009.
The BOC generally conducts a new role delineation study every five years in order to ensure the content validity of the BOC Certification Examination (i.e., to ensure that the exam continues to reflect the athletic training tasks that are performed throughout the various clinical practice settings). The BOC, through the certification examination as well as continuing education requirements, works “to protect the public by identifying individuals who are competent to practice the profession of athletic training.” (Role Delineation Study. 6^th ed. Omaha, NE: Board of Certification; 2009:1)

APPENDIX C

Foundational Behaviors of Professional Practice

These basic behaviors permeate every aspect of professional practice, and should be incorporated into instruction in every part of the educational program. The behaviors in this section comprise the application of the common values of the athletic training profession.

Primacy of the Patient/Client
Recognize sources of conflict of interest that can impact the patient/client’s health
Know and apply the commonly accepted standards for patient confidentiality
Provide the best health care available for the patient or client
Advocate for the needs of the patient/client

Teamed Approach to Practice
Recognize the unique skills and abilities of other health care professionals
Understand the scope of practice of other health care professionals
Understand and execute duties within the identified scope of practice for athletic trainers
Include the patient/client (and family, where appropriate) in the decision making process
Demonstrate the ability to work with others in effecting positive patient/client outcomes

Legal Practice
Practice athletic training in a legally competent manner
Recognize the need to document compliance with the laws that govern athletic training
Understand the consequences of violating the laws that govern athletic training

Ethical Practice
Understand and comply with the NATA’s Code of Ethics and the BOC’s
Standards of Practice
Understand the consequences of violating the NATA’s Code of Ethics and BOC’s Standards of Practice
Understand and comply with other codes of ethics, as applicable.

Advancing Knowledge
Critically examine the body of knowledge in athletic training and related fields
Use evidence-based practice as a foundation for the delivery of care
Understand the connection between continuing education and the improvement of athletic training practice
Promote the value of research and scholarship in athletic training
Disseminate new knowledge in athletic training to fellow athletic trainers, patient/clients, other health care professionals, and others as necessary

Cultural Competence
Understand the cultural differences of patients’ or client’s attitudes and behaviors toward health care
Demonstrate knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and skills necessary to achieve optimal health outcomes for diverse patient/client populations.
Demonstrate knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and skills necessary to work respectfully and effectively with diverse populations and in a diverse work environment
Professionalism
Advocate for the profession
Demonstrate honesty and integrity
Exhibit compassion and empathy
Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills
Reference:
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (2006) Athletic Training Educational Competencies (4^th ed.), Dallas, TX

APPENDIX D

BOC Standards of Professional Practice
Implemented January 1, 2006
Introduction

The mission of the Board of Certification Inc. (BOC) is to certify Athletic Trainers and to identify, for the public, quality healthcare professionals through a system of certification, adjudication, standards of practice and continuing competency programs. The BOC has been responsible for the certification of Athletic Trainers since 1969. Upon its inception, the BOC was a division of the professional membership organization the National Athletic Trainersʹ Association. However, in 1989, the BOC became an independent non‐profit corporation.

Accordingly, the BOC provides a certification program for the entry‐level Athletic Trainer that confers the ATC^® credential and establishes requirements for maintaining status as a Certified Athletic Trainer (to be referred to as “Athletic Trainer” from this point forward). A nine member Board of Directors governs the BOC. There are six Athletic Trainer Directors, one Physician Director, one Public Director and one Corporate/Educational Director.

The BOC is the only accredited certification program for Athletic Trainers in the United States. Every five years, the BOC must undergo review and re‐accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA is the accreditation body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance.
The BOC Standards of Professional Practice consists of two sections:
Practice Standards
Code of Professional Responsibility

 ​Practice Standards
Preamble
The Practice Standards (Standards) establish essential practice expectations for all Athletic Trainers. Compliance with the Standards is mandatory.

The Standards are intended to:
assist the public in understanding what to expect from an Athletic Trainer
assist the Athletic Trainer in evaluating the quality of patient care
assist the Athletic Trainer in understanding the duties and obligations imposed by virtue of holding the ATC^® credential

The Standards are NOT intended to:
prescribe services
provide step‐by‐step procedures
ensure specific patient outcomes

The BOC does not express an opinion on the competence or warrant job performance of credential holders; however, every Athletic Trainer and applicant must agree to comply with the Standards at all times.

Standard 1: Direction
The Athletic Trainer renders service or treatment under the direction of a physician.
Standard 2: Prevention
The Athletic Trainer understands and uses preventive measures to ensure the highest quality of care for every patient.
Standard 3: Immediate Care
The Athletic Trainer provides standard immediate care procedures used in emergency situations, independent of setting.
Standard 4: Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
Prior to treatment, the Athletic Trainer assesses the patient’s level of function. The patient’s input is considered an integral part of the initial assessment. The Athletic Trainer follows standardized clinical practice in the area of diagnostic reasoning and medical decision making.
Standard 5: Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
In development of a treatment program, the Athletic Trainer determines appropriate treatment, rehabilitation and/or reconditioning strategies. Treatment program objectives include long and short‐term goals and an appraisal of those which the patient can realistically be expected to achieve from the program. Assessment measures to determine effectiveness of the program are incorporated into the program.
Standard 6: Program Discontinuation
The Athletic Trainer, with collaboration of the physician, recommends discontinuation of the athletic training service when the patient has received optimal benefit of the program. The Athletic Trainer, at the time of discontinuation, notes the final assessment of the patient’s status.
Standard 7: Organization and Administration
All services are documented in writing by the Athletic Trainer and are part of the patient’s permanent records. The Athletic Trainer accepts responsibility for recording details of the patient’s health status.

 ​Code of Professional Responsibility
Preamble
The Code of Professional Responsibility (Code) mandates that BOC credential holders and applicants act in a professionally responsible manner in all athletic training services and

activities. The BOC requires all Athletic Trainers and applicants to comply with the Code. The BOC may discipline, revoke or take other action with regard to the application or certification of an individual that does not adhere to the Code. The Professional Practice and Discipline Guidelines and Procedures may be accessed via the BOC website, www.bocatc.org.
Code 1: Patient Responsibility
The Athletic Trainer or applicant:
Renders quality patient care regardless of the patient’s race, religion, age, sex, nationality, disability, social/economic status or any other characteristic protected by law
Protects the patient from harm, acts always in the patient’s best interests and is an advocate for the patient’s welfare
Takes appropriate action to protect patients from Athletic Trainers, other healthcare providers or athletic training students who are incompetent, impaired or engaged in illegal or unethical practice
Maintains the confidentiality of patient information in accordance with applicable law
Communicates clearly and truthfully with patients and other persons involved in the patient’s program, including, but not limited to, appropriate discussion of assessment results, program plans and progress
Respects and safeguards his or her relationship of trust and confidence with the patient and does not exploit his or her relationship with the patient for personal or financial gain
Exercises reasonable care, skill and judgment in all professional work
Code 2: Competency
The Athletic Trainer or applicant:
Engages in lifelong, professional and continuing educational activities
Participates in continuous quality improvement activities
Complies with the most current BOC recertification policies and requirements
Code 3: Professional Responsibility
The Athletic Trainer or applicant:
Practices in accordance with the most current BOC Practice Standards
Knows and complies with applicable local, state and/or federal rules, requirements, regulations and/or laws related to the practice of athletic training
	Collaborates and cooperates with other healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care
Respects the expertise and responsibility of all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care
Reports any suspected or known violation of a rule, requirement, regulation or law by him/herself and/or by another Athletic Trainer that is related to the practice of athletic training, public health, patient care or education
Reports any criminal convictions (with the exception of misdemeanor traffic offenses or traffic ordinance violations that do not involve the use of alcohol or drugs) and/or professional suspension, discipline or sanction received by him/herself or by another Athletic Trainer that is related to athletic training, public health, patient care or education

Complies with all BOC exam eligibility requirements and ensures that any information provided to the BOC in connection with any certification application is accurate and truthful
Does not, without proper authority, possess, use, copy, access, distribute or discuss certification exams, score reports, answer sheets, certificates, certificant or applicant files, documents or other materials
Is candid, responsible and truthful in making any statement to the BOC, and in making any statement in connection with athletic training to the public
Complies with all confidentiality and disclosure requirements of the BOC
Does not take any action that leads, or may lead, to the conviction, plea of guilty or plea of nolo contendere (no contest) to any felony or to a misdemeanor related to public health, patient care, athletics or education;, this includes, but is not limited to: rape; sexual abuse of a child or patient; actual or threatened use of a weapon of violence; the prohibited sale or distribution of controlled substance, or its possession with the intent to distribute; or the use of the position of an Athletic Trainer to improperly influence the outcome or score of an athletic contest or event or in connection with any gambling activity
Cooperates with BOC investigations into alleged illegal or unethical activities; this includes but is not limited to, providing factual and non‐misleading information and responding to requests for information in a timely fashion
Does not endorse or advertise products or services with the use of, or by reference to, the BOC name without proper authorization
Code 4: Research
The Athletic Trainer or applicant who engages in research:
Conducts research according to accepted ethical research and reporting standards established by public law, institutional procedures and/or the health professions
Protects the rights and well being of research subjects
Conducts research activities with the goal of improving practice, education and public policy relative to the health needs of diverse populations, the health workforce, the organization and administration of health systems and healthcare delivery
Code 5: Social Responsibility
The Athletic Trainer or applicant:
Uses professional skills and knowledge to positively impact the community
Code 6: Business Practices
The Athletic Trainer or applicant:
Refrains from deceptive or fraudulent business practices
Maintains adequate and customary professional liability insurance

For information or to order copies of this document, please contact:

Department of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs National Athletic Trainers’ Association
2952 Stemmons Freeway, #200
Dallas, Texas 75247
214-637-6282
www.nata.org