2012 Delaware Code
Title 24 - Professions and Occupations
CHAPTER 26. PHYSICAL THERAPY AND ATHLETIC TRAINING
§ 2602. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the content requires otherwise, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Athletic injury" is a musculoskeletal injury resulting from or limiting participation in or training for scholastic, recreational, professional or sanctioned amateur athletic activities.

(2) "Athletic trainer" means a person who is licensed by the State Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers, to practice "athletic training," after meeting the requirements of this chapter and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

(3) "Athletic training" means the prevention evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries by the utilization of therapeutic exercises and modalities such as heat, cold, light, air, water, sound, electricity, massage and nonthrust mobilizations. All treatment of athletic injuries requires a physician's referral, except for minor sprains, strains, and contusions, first aid excluded. Treatment of musculoskeletal injuries that are not defined as an "athletic injury" will require direction from a physical therapist and direct supervision of every fifth treatment. An athletic trainer may not independently initiate, modify, or discontinue a physical therapy plan of care. Athletic training shall not include radiology, surgery, prescription drugs, or authorize the medical diagnosis of disease.

(4) "Board" means the State Examining Board of Physical Therapists which shall administer and enforce this chapter.

(5) "First aid" is emergency care and treatment of an injured person before definitive medical and surgical management can be secured.

(6) "Physical therapist" means a person who is licensed to practice "physical therapy." "Physical therapist" and such words as "physiotherapist" are equivalent terms, and reference to any 1 of them in this chapter or otherwise shall include the others.

(7) "Physical therapist assistant" means a person who assists licensed physical therapists subject to this chapter and rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

(8) "Physical therapy" means the evaluation, instruction or treatment of any person to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate or limit physical disability from injury or disease and any other physical and or mental condition, by the utilization of the effective properties of physical measures, activities and devices such as heat, cold, light, air, water, sound, electricity, massage, mobilization, therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures including training in functional activities, with or without assistive devices. Physical therapy also includes the supervision of physical therapy activities, physical therapy consultation and the establishment and modification of physical therapy programs. Physical therapy shall not include radiology, surgery, drugs or authorize the medical diagnosis of disease.

(9) "Substantially related" means the nature of the criminal conduct, for which the person was convicted, has a direct bearing on the fitness or ability to perform 1 or more of the duties or responsibilities necessarily related to the practice of physical therapy or athletic training.

(10) "Visiting athletic trainer" is an individual certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification who resides and works with a visiting team, in an athletic training capacity, located outside of the State.

24 Del. C. 1953, § 2601; 50 Del. Laws, c. 367, § 1; 58 Del. Laws, c. 330, § 1; 64 Del. Laws, c. 192, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 97, §§ 1, 2; 74 Del. Laws, c. 262, § 46; 74 Del. Laws, c. 381, § 1-3, 7.;