North Dakota Administrative Code Title 106 - Board of Athletic Trainers
North Dakota Administrative Code (NDAC) Title 106 pertains to the Board of Athletic Trainers, which is responsible for regulating the practice of athletic training in the state of North Dakota. The Board ensures that individuals who practice as athletic trainers meet the necessary qualifications, follow state laws and regulations, and adhere to professional standards. Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries, as well as helping athletes with rehabilitation.
Key Areas of North Dakota Administrative Code Title 106 - Board of Athletic Trainers
1. Purpose and Mission of the Board
Regulation and Licensing: The Board’s primary mission is to regulate the practice of athletic training in North Dakota. This includes overseeing the licensing process, ensuring that individuals who wish to practice as athletic trainers meet the state's education, experience, and examination requirements.
Public Protection: By setting professional standards and ensuring that only qualified individuals practice athletic training, the Board seeks to protect the public from unqualified practitioners and improve the quality of care athletes receive.
2. Board Composition and Governance
Board Members: The Board is typically composed of appointed members, which include licensed athletic trainers as well as other professionals (e.g., physicians) with experience or expertise in athletic training and sports medicine.
Responsibilities of the Board: The Board oversees the administration of the athletic training profession in North Dakota. It is responsible for setting standards for licensure, developing continuing education requirements, and managing disciplinary actions when necessary.
Appointment and Terms: Members of the Board are appointed by the Governor or another relevant state authority, and they serve fixed terms. The Board is also responsible for establishing policies and procedures related to licensure, ethics, and professional conduct.
3. Licensing Requirements for Athletic Trainers
Educational Requirements: To become a licensed athletic trainer in North Dakota, applicants must typically have a degree in athletic training from an accredited program. This degree usually requires coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and other subjects related to sports medicine.
Certification and Examination: In addition to completing an accredited educational program, candidates must pass a national certification exam, typically administered by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in areas such as injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and emergency care.
Application Process: Applicants for licensure must submit an application to the North Dakota Board of Athletic Trainers, which includes documentation of education, certification, and other qualifications. The Board reviews these applications to ensure that all requirements are met.
Background Check: In most cases, applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check as part of the licensure process. This is done to ensure that the individual does not have any disqualifying criminal history.
Licensure Renewal: Once licensed, athletic trainers must renew their licenses regularly, which may involve fulfilling continuing education requirements, submitting proof of current certification, and paying renewal fees.
4. Standards of Practice and Ethical Guidelines
Code of Ethics: The Board sets standards for the ethical practice of athletic training, which includes maintaining confidentiality, acting in the best interest of athletes, and adhering to professional standards of care. Violations of the ethical guidelines could result in disciplinary action by the Board.
Scope of Practice: The Board defines the scope of practice for athletic trainers, which typically includes injury prevention, emergency response, assessment of injuries, rehabilitation, and educating athletes on proper techniques to avoid injury. Athletic trainers work under the direction of physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Supervision and Team Collaboration: Athletic trainers often work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, coaches, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers. The Board ensures that athletic trainers operate within the framework of these professional relationships and do not exceed their scope of practice.
5. Continuing Education and Professional Development
Ongoing Education: The North Dakota Board of Athletic Trainers requires licensed athletic trainers to engage in continuing education to maintain their licensure. This may include attending workshops, conferences, or completing online courses on topics such as new rehabilitation techniques, concussion management, and emergency care.
Accredited Programs: Continuing education programs must be accredited or approved by the Board. This ensures that athletic trainers are staying current with developments in sports medicine, injury treatment, and best practices.
Renewal Requirements: Continuing education credits are required for license renewal, and the Board specifies the number of credits needed within a given period. Athletic trainers must submit proof of completion of these requirements to maintain an active license.
6. Disciplinary Actions and Enforcement
Complaints and Investigations: The Board investigates complaints made against athletic trainers regarding unethical or illegal conduct, negligence, or failure to adhere to professional standards. Complaints may be filed by employers, colleagues, or members of the public.
Disciplinary Actions: If an athletic trainer is found to be in violation of the state’s laws or ethical guidelines, the Board may take disciplinary action. This can range from a warning or reprimand to suspension or revocation of the athletic trainer’s license. Other penalties may include fines, additional education requirements, or probation.
Due Process: Athletic trainers have the right to a fair hearing and due process before the Board if they are facing disciplinary action. This ensures that decisions are made based on evidence and that the rights of the professional are protected.
7. Licensing Exemptions and Reciprocity
Exemptions: The North Dakota Administrative Code may specify certain exemptions to the licensure requirements, such as for individuals practicing in limited circumstances (e.g., students in athletic training programs) or out-of-state trainers working temporarily in North Dakota.
Reciprocity Agreements: The Board may have reciprocity agreements with other states, allowing athletic trainers who are licensed in another state to practice in North Dakota without having to meet the full licensure requirements. Reciprocity agreements typically require that the individual meets certain qualifications, such as holding a current certification from the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC).
8. Reporting and Recordkeeping
Record Maintenance: The Board requires athletic trainers to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of their continuing education, professional experience, and other documentation related to licensure. These records are subject to periodic review and audit by the Board.
Annual Reports: The Board may publish annual reports or updates on the state of athletic training in North Dakota, including statistics on the number of licensed athletic trainers, ongoing education initiatives, and disciplinary actions.
Conclusion:
North Dakota Administrative Code Title 106 governs the operations and responsibilities of the Board of Athletic Trainers in North Dakota. The Board is tasked with regulating the practice of athletic training to ensure public safety, promote professional standards, and enhance the quality of care for athletes. Through licensure requirements, ethical standards, continuing education, and disciplinary actions, the Board plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and competence of athletic trainers in the state. By enforcing these regulations, the Board ensures that athletic trainers provide high-quality, professional care to athletes and help reduce the risks associated with sports injuries.
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