Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0150 - Athletic Trainers
Tennessee Rules & Regulations Title 0150 – Athletic Trainers
1. Overview and Purpose
Title 0150 governs the licensing, practice, and regulation of athletic trainers in Tennessee. The Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers administers these rules under the authority of the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Practice Act.
The purpose is to ensure that athletic trainers:
Meet professional and educational qualifications
Provide safe and competent care to athletes and patients
Adhere to ethical and professional standards
Comply with continuing education requirements
Practice within defined scope and limitations
This regulatory framework protects public health by ensuring that only qualified individuals practice athletic training in Tennessee.
2. Key Provisions of Title 0150
2.1. Licensure Requirements
Applicants must graduate from an accredited athletic training program.
Must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.
Submit an application with required fees and documentation.
Criminal background checks are required.
Licenses must be renewed biennially with evidence of continuing education.
2.2. Scope of Practice
Athletic trainers assess, prevent, and rehabilitate injuries related to physical activity.
They may develop treatment plans, provide emergency care, and educate patients.
Their practice includes injury evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and referral to other health professionals when necessary.
Athletic trainers must practice under standards established by the Board and within recognized professional guidelines.
2.3. Professional Conduct and Ethics
Athletic trainers must adhere to ethical standards, including honesty, confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Must provide care consistent with accepted professional standards.
Prohibited from practicing beyond their competence or scope.
2.4. Continuing Education
Licensees must complete a minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) every renewal period.
Acceptable CEUs include courses from accredited providers or recognized professional organizations.
Failure to meet CE requirements can result in license suspension.
2.5. Disciplinary Actions
The Board may investigate complaints regarding professional misconduct, incompetence, or violation of the regulations.
Sanctions include reprimand, suspension, revocation, or fines.
Licensees have the right to a hearing and appeal.
3. Illustrative Case Law
While specific Tennessee cases related directly to Title 0150 may be limited, general principles from administrative and professional licensing law apply.
Case 1: Board of Athletic Trainers v. Johnson (Fictitious Example 2018)
Facts:
Johnson, a licensed athletic trainer, was found treating injuries beyond his scope, including prescribing medications and performing invasive procedures.
Issue:
Did Johnson violate the Athletic Trainers’ regulations by practicing beyond his authorized scope?
Holding:
The Board suspended Johnson’s license, and the court upheld the decision, stating that Title 0150 clearly limits athletic trainers’ scope to non-invasive treatment and prohibits prescribing medications. Practicing beyond scope endangers public safety and violates the regulatory framework.
Principle:
Athletic trainers must practice strictly within the defined scope set by Title 0150 and Board rules; violations may lead to discipline.
Case 2: Smith v. Tennessee Board of Athletic Trainers (Fictitious Example 2020)
Facts:
Smith’s license renewal was denied due to failure to submit proof of required continuing education.
Issue:
Was the denial of license renewal justified under Title 0150 continuing education rules?
Holding:
The court affirmed the Board’s decision, emphasizing that continuing education is essential to ensure ongoing competence. Licensees bear responsibility to comply with renewal requirements.
Principle:
Continuing education requirements are a lawful condition for licensure renewal to protect public health.
Case 3: In re Complaint Against Athletic Trainer Doe (Fictitious Example 2022)
Facts:
Doe was accused of unprofessional conduct for violating patient confidentiality by sharing private medical information.
Issue:
Does breaching confidentiality constitute grounds for disciplinary action under Title 0150?
Holding:
The Board found Doe guilty of unprofessional conduct and imposed a reprimand. The court upheld the decision, recognizing confidentiality as a fundamental ethical obligation in healthcare professions.
Principle:
Ethical standards, including confidentiality, are enforceable under Title 0150; violations may result in disciplinary measures.
4. Legal Principles Under Title 0150 and Case Law
Licensure and Qualification:
Only individuals who meet educational and examination criteria may lawfully practice as athletic trainers in Tennessee.
Scope of Practice:
The law strictly defines what athletic trainers may and may not do to protect patients from harm.
Professionalism and Ethics:
Ethical duties, including confidentiality and honesty, are critical and enforceable standards.
Continuing Competence:
Ongoing education is mandatory to maintain skills and protect public safety.
Due Process in Discipline:
Licensees are entitled to notice, hearing, and appeal in disciplinary proceedings.
5. Summary
Tennessee’s Title 0150 regulations establish clear rules for licensing, practice, and ethical conduct of athletic trainers to ensure competent and safe care. Courts consistently uphold the Board’s authority to enforce these rules, emphasizing:
Licensure prerequisites
Strict adherence to scope of practice
Continuing education compliance
Professional ethical standards
Fair disciplinary processes
This regulatory framework protects both the public and the integrity of the athletic training profession.
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