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Pros and Cons to Expanding Athletic Trainers' Scope of Practice In February, the question "What is the benefit from expanding athletic trainers'
scope of practice" was presented to membership, via an e-mail message. Legislation
that amends the Illinois Athletic Trainers' Practice Act was debated during the
last legislative session. The debate continues, both positions are represented
in the newsletter. If you are interested in expressing your position on the issue,
please contact Chris Dangles, M.D., at (217) 383-3260, chrisj@soltec.net
or to the IAOS office iaos@isms.org.
The legislation proposes changes to the definitions of the terms "licensed
athletic trainer" and "referral," and providing a definition for the term "athlete."
Stated below is the majority of the proposed amendments from House Bill 2896.
To view the full text of the proposed legislation (HB 2896) go to the Illinois
Assembly's website "Licensed athletic trainer" means a person licensed to practice athletic training
under as defined in this Act and with the specific qualifications set forth in
Section 9 of this Act who, upon the direction or referral of a licensed physician,
osteopath, podiatrist, dentist, or chiropractor, carries out the practice of prevention,
recognition, evaluation, management, treatment, disposition, and rehabilitation
related to the care of athletes. of his or her team physician or consulting physician,
carries out the practice of prevention/emergency care or physical reconditioning
of injuries incurred by athletes participating in an athletic program conducted
by an educational institution, professional athletic organization, or sanctioned
amateur athletic organization employing the athletic trainer; or a person who,
under the direction of a physician, carries out comparable functions for a health
organization-based extramural program of athletic training services for athletes.
. .
. . . Interpretation of referrals from physicians. To carry out these functions
the athletic trainer is authorized to utilize modalities including, but not limited
to, such as heat, light, sound, cold, electricity, exercise, therapeutic massage,
mobilization, or mechanical and assistive devices related to treatment and rehabilitation
care and reconditioning.
"Referral" means the guidance or direction to the athletic trainer given by
the licensed physician, who shall maintain supervision of the athlete. "Athlete"
means an individual participating in fitness training or conditioning, recreational
or occupational activities, or sports or other athletic competition, practices,
or events requiring physical strength, agility, flexibility, range of motion,
speed, or stamina.
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