§ 14-5D-01. Definitions

   (a) In general. -- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) Alternate supervising physician. -- "Alternate supervising physician" means one or more physicians designated by the supervising physician to provide supervision of an athletic trainer:

   (1) During the absence of the supervising physician; and

   (2) In accordance with the evaluation and treatment protocol on file with the Board.

(c) Athlete. -- "Athlete" means an individual who participates in an athletic activity.

(d) Athletic activity. -- "Athletic activity" means exercise, recreation, sport, competition, or game that:

   (1) Requires physical strength, range of motion, flexibility, control, speed, stamina, or agility; and

   (2) Is associated with a setting as defined under this section, an educational institution, or a professional, amateur, or recreational sports club or athletic organization.

(e) Athletic injury. -- "Athletic injury" means an injury that affects an athlete's participation or performance in an athletic activity.

(f) Board. -- "Board" means the State Board of Physicians.

(g) Committee. -- "Committee" means the Athletic Trainer Advisory Committee established under § 14-5D-04 of this subtitle.

(h) Educational institution. -- "Educational institution" includes:

   (1) The schools in the public elementary and secondary education system of the State;

   (2) A noncollegiate educational institution governed under § 2-206 of the Education Article; and

   (3) An institution of higher education as defined in § 10-101 of the Education Article.

(i) Evaluation and treatment protocol. -- "Evaluation and treatment protocol" means a document that is executed by a physician and an athletic trainer that meets the requirements of § 14-5D-11 of this subtitle.

(j) License. -- "License" means a license issued by the Board to practice athletic training.

(k) Licensed athletic trainer. -- "Licensed athletic trainer" means an individual who is licensed by the Board to practice athletic training.

(l) Licensed health care practitioner. -- "Licensed health care practitioner" means an individual licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized to practice a health occupation under this article.

(m) National certifying board. -- "National certifying board" means the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc., or its successor organization.

(n) Nonsupervising physician. -- "Nonsupervising physician" means a physician licensed by the Board who is not the supervising physician of the licensed athletic trainer.

(o) Outside referral. -- "Outside referral" means a request for treatment from a nonsupervising physician or licensed health care practitioner.

(p) Practice athletic training. --

   (1) "Practice athletic training" means application of the following principles and methods for managing athletic injuries for athletes in good overall health under the supervision of a licensed physician:

      (i) Prevention;

      (ii) Clinical evaluation and assessment;

      (iii) Immediate care; and

      (iv) Treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning.

   (2) "Practice athletic training" includes:

      (i) Organization and administration of an athletic training program; and

      (ii) Instruction to coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, and community members regarding the care and prevention of athletic injuries.

   (3) "Practice athletic training" does not include:

      (i) The practice of:

         1. Chiropractic, including adjustments, manipulation, or high velocity mobilizations of the spine or extremities;

         2. Massage therapy;

         3. Medicine;

         4. Occupational therapy;

         5. Physical therapy; or

         6. Podiatry;

      (ii) The reconditioning of systemic neurologic injuries, conditions, or disease; or

      (iii) Except for the conditioning of an athlete under the supervision of a treating physician, the treatment, rehabilitation, or reconditioning of nonathletic injuries or disease.

(q) Setting. -- "Setting" means a:

   (1) Location where an athletic activity, as defined in subsection (d) of this section, is being held;

   (2) Health or fitness club;

   (3) Clinic or hospital;

   (4) Corporation; or

   (5) Government agency.

(r) Supervising physician. -- "Supervising physician" means a physician who has been approved by the Board to supervise one or more athletic trainers.

(s) Supervision. -- "Supervision" means the responsibility of a physician to provide ongoing and immediately available instruction, in person, by telephone, or by other electronic means, that is adequate to ensure the safety and welfare of a patient and is appropriate to the setting.

HISTORY: 2009, ch. 529, § 2; ch. 530, § 2; 2012, chs. 314, 315.