Why Yes Bernard R. Bach, Jr., M.D. As orthopaedic surgeons, expansion of the athletic trainers clinical scope of practice, will have no negative impact on our practices. It may actually have a positive impact on the referral of patients to our offices. The act may expand the potential for more trainers to be employed or contracted by high schools thereby enhancing the care of the interscholastic athlete. Currently there are no ATC's at any Chicago public school! The athlete's contact with a trainer may prevent a more serious injury, can clearly reduce the "down" time regarding post injury recovery, and can result in timely referrals that otherwise might get "lost" in a primary care physician's office. I can not count how many times young athletes have been told by their principal care provider that they would have to sit out for several weeks or the season for rather trivial injuries. Trainers have a different educational background than physical therapists. I have observed them in the same treatment settings. My understanding is that currently an athletic trainers treatment of a patient in a clinic setting has to be countersigned by a physical therapist. This modification in the trainers practice act should expand the treatment responsibilities and independence of an athletic trainer under the medical orders of a physician. The act does not allow the trainer to treat independently without direct orders from a physician. An area that our practice pursued a few years ago was establishing a contract with one of our trainers in an industrial setting. The ATC evaluated injuries, referred Work Comp patients, initiated in-house therapy and preventive programs. The company recognized the value of reduced medical expenses, reduced sick leave, positive worker acceptance, and expedited physician evaluation, such that they hired the ATC full time away from our organization! This concept has been initiated by General Motors and was received favorably. This concept has tremendous potential to enhance the care of the "industrial" athlete. Overall, I am strongly in support of this bill, as I see no potential conflict in our care or access to patients.   Return to the IAOS Newsletter Educational Meetings and Program | Board of Directors | Residency | Find a Surgeon | Membership | Allied Association Links | Newsletter | Governmental Affairs | IAOS Main Page All material Copyright from the Illinois Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, all rights reserved.