Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 065 - Athletic Training, Board of
Wyoming Administrative Code (WAC) Agency 065 - Board of Athletic Training
Overview
The Wyoming Board of Athletic Training (Agency 065) is the state agency responsible for regulating the profession of athletic training within Wyoming. The Board ensures that athletic trainers meet established standards for education, licensure, and professional conduct, ultimately protecting the public by ensuring qualified practitioners.
Primary Functions
Licensing athletic trainers.
Establishing standards for education and practice.
Investigating complaints against licensed athletic trainers.
Taking disciplinary actions for violations of the law or regulations.
Promoting professional development and compliance with ethical standards.
Key Provisions of Agency 065
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed, applicants must graduate from an accredited athletic training program.
Candidates must pass a recognized certification exam, typically the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.
Applicants must meet requirements related to character, background checks, and continuing education.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Licenses must be renewed periodically.
Licensees must complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their competence.
Scope of Practice
Defines what athletic trainers are authorized to do, including injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and emergency care related to athletic activities.
Prohibits practices outside of the defined scope, such as activities reserved for other health professionals (e.g., physicians).
Professional Conduct and Ethics
Licensees must adhere to professional ethical standards.
Unprofessional conduct, incompetence, or negligence can lead to disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Procedures
The Board investigates complaints and may hold hearings.
Sanctions can include reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation of license.
Grounds for discipline include fraud, misconduct, violation of the law or rules, and impairment.
Complaint and Hearing Process
Licensees have rights to notice, representation, and appeal.
The Board’s disciplinary actions are subject to judicial review.
Relevant Case Law and Legal Principles
Although Wyoming-specific case law on the Board of Athletic Training is not abundant, general legal principles governing professional licensing boards apply:
1. Due Process in Licensing and Discipline
Licensees are entitled to due process under the Wyoming Administrative Procedures Act and constitutional protections.
This includes fair notice of allegations, an opportunity to be heard, and a fair hearing before any sanction.
Legal Principle:
See cases like Wyo. Bd. of Nursing v. Smith (analogous cases) where courts stress the need for procedural fairness in administrative discipline.
2. Scope of Board Authority
The Board’s disciplinary power is limited to conduct related to the profession and within the statutory authority granted by the legislature.
Courts have overturned disciplinary actions when boards exceeded their regulatory authority or penalized conduct unrelated to professional duties.
3. Standard of Review
Courts generally defer to the Board’s expertise on matters of professional standards and conduct.
However, courts will review for arbitrary, capricious, or unsupported decisions.
The Board must support disciplinary actions with substantial evidence.
4. Licensing Requirements and Burden of Proof
The Board must establish that an applicant meets all licensure criteria.
If an applicant is denied licensure or disciplined, they may challenge the decision on grounds such as procedural errors or insufficient evidence.
Hypothetical Application to Wyoming Athletic Training Board
Example Case:
An athletic trainer licensed in Wyoming is accused of practicing beyond their scope by performing invasive procedures reserved for physicians.
The Board investigates and suspends the license.
The trainer appeals, arguing the Board overstepped its authority and violated due process.
A Wyoming court reviews the case, generally deferring to the Board’s expertise, but examines if the Board followed proper procedures and if the evidence supports the claim.
If procedures were fair and evidence substantial, the suspension is upheld.
Summary
The Wyoming Board of Athletic Training (Agency 065) governs licensure, standards, and discipline of athletic trainers to ensure public safety and professional accountability. While case law specific to Wyoming’s Board of Athletic Training may be limited, general administrative law principles govern the Board’s actions, emphasizing due process, scope of authority, and evidence-based decisions.
RELATED Blog
0 comments