64B33-4.001 Protocols; Scope of Practice

1. Each licensed Athletic Trainer is required to practice under a written protocol established between the athletic trainer and a supervising physician licensed pursuant to Chapter 458, Chapter 459 or Chapter 460, F.S., which all contain the following:
1. Athletic Trainer's name, license number, and curriculum vitae;
2. Supervising physician's name, license number, and curriculum vitae;
3. Method of contacting supervising physician, specifically delineating the method to report new injuries as soon as practicable;
4. The patient population to be treated (e.g., specific scholastic athletic programs, patients of a specific clinic, patients with specific physician referral);
5. Methods of assessment of patient status and treatment;
6. Delineation of the items within the scope of practice (including use of modalities/equipment) that:
1. May be initiated by the athletic trainer;
2. Require a specific physician's order.
2. Identification of resources for emergency patient care (e.g., nearest hospital with emergency services, ambulance service).
3. Prior to commencement of practice, each athletic trainer and the supervising physician shall develop a protocol in accordance with the above guidelines and shall review said protocol prior to the license renewal date for the athletic trainer. The protocol must be available for inspection upon request.
1. A licensed athletic trainer, shall apply the following principles, methods and procedures within the scope of the athletic trainer's practice.
2. Injury Prevention;
3. Injury Recognition and Evaluation;
4. First Aid;
5. Emergency Care;
6. Injury Management/Treatment and Disposition;
7. Rehabilitation through the use of safe and appropriate physical rehabilitation practices, including those techniques and procedures following injury and recovery that restore and maintain normal function status;
8. Conditioning;
9. Performance of tests and measurements to prevent, evaluate and monitor acute and chronic injuries;
10. Selection of preventive and supportive devices, temporary splinting and bracing, protective equipment, strapping, and other immobilization devices and techniques to protect an injured structure, facilitate ambulation and restore normal functioning;
11. Organization and administration of facilities within the scope of the profession;
12. Education and counseling to the public regarding the care and prevention of injury within the scope of the profession.
4. For treatment and rehabilitation of muscle skeletal injuries the athletic trainer may administer the following:
1. Therapeutic Exercise;
2. Massage;
3. Mechanical Devices;
4. Cryotherapy (e.g., ice, cold packs, cold water immersion, spray coolants);
5. Thermotherapy (e.g., topical analgesics, moist/dry hot packs, heating pads, paraffin bath);
6. Other therapeutic agents with the properties of water (e.g., whirlpool); electricity (e.g., electrical stimulation, diathermy); light (e.g., infrared, ultraviolet); or sound (e.g., ultrasound).
5. The athletic trainer may apply topical prescription medications (e.g., steroid preparation for phonopheresis) only at the direction of a physician.