Alabama Administrative Code Title 140 - ALABAMA BOARD OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 140, specifically governs the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers. This Board is the regulatory body responsible for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of athletic trainers practicing within the state. Its core mission is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that athletic trainers meet professional standards of education, competence, and ethical conduct.
The Board operates under the authority granted by the Alabama Athletic Trainers Licensure Act (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 34-40-1 et seq.). The administrative rules in Title 140 provide the detailed framework for implementing this statutory mandate.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas typically covered by the chapters within Title 140:
Chapter 140-X-1: Organization and Administration.
Purpose: States the Board's mission to protect the public by setting standards for licensure, renewal, and disciplinary procedures.
Board Structure: Details the composition of the Board (e.g., licensed athletic trainers, physicians), their appointment, terms, and duties.
Meetings: Procedures for Board meetings, including election of officers.
Executive Secretary: Role and responsibilities of the Executive Secretary who administers Board policy.
Records: Rules regarding public inspection and copying of Board rules and policies.
Chapter 140-X-2: License Application.
Application Requirements: Specific criteria for individuals applying for an athletic trainer license, including age, education, and submission of required documentation.
Examination: Details regarding the required state-approved examination, which typically includes national certification exams.
International Applicants: Procedures for individuals educated outside the United States.
Chapter 140-X-3: Issuance of License.
Criteria for Licensure: The conditions that must be met for a license to be issued.
Licensure by Endorsement/Reciprocity: Provisions for recognizing licenses from other states with substantially equivalent requirements.
Chapter 140-X-4: Renewal of License.
Renewal Procedures: How and when licenses must be renewed.
Continuing Education: Requirements for ongoing professional education that licensees must complete to maintain their license. (Appendix A often provides specific guidelines for continuing education.)
Lapsed Licenses: Rules for renewing or reinstating expired licenses.
Chapter 140-X-5: Administrative Fees.
Fee Schedule: Lists all fees associated with applications, examinations, initial licenses, renewals, verifications, and other administrative services.
Chapter 140-X-6: Compliance and Disciplinary Action.
Prohibited Acts/Unprofessional Conduct: Clearly defines what constitutes misconduct or violation of professional standards in the practice of athletic training. This can include practicing without a license, deceptive advertising, aiding unlicensed practice, acting outside the scope of practice, failing to meet continuing education, or failing to work under physician direction/referral.
Disciplinary Process: Outlines the procedures for investigating complaints, conducting hearings (in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act), and imposing disciplinary penalties (e.g., fines, suspension, revocation of license).
Chapter 140-X-7: Award of Education Grants.
Rules related to any grants or scholarships the Board may administer to support education in athletic training.
Chapter 140-X-8: Physician Supervision of Athletic Trainers. This is a critical chapter emphasizing the collaborative nature of athletic training practice. It details:
Protocols: The requirement for athletic trainers to work under the direction or referral of a licensed physician, often through written protocols. The State Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Athletic Trainers jointly approve rules concerning the scope of practice and permissible acts.
Supervision Requirements: Guidelines for physician supervision of athletic trainers, including the establishment of general and specialty practice protocols.
Advisory Council: Provisions for an Advisory Council, often including members from both the Board of Athletic Trainers and the Board of Medical Examiners, to review and recommend protocols.
The Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers, through the rules in Title 140, ensures that individuals providing athletic training services to athletes in Alabama are properly qualified and adhere to strict professional and ethical standards, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of the public.
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