2013 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 37 - Professions and Occupations
RS 37:3302 - Definitions

§3302. Definitions

As used in this Chapter, the following words and phrases have the meanings hereinafter ascribed to them:

(1) "Athletic trainer" means a person with the specific qualifications set forth in R.S. 37:3306 who, under the direction and supervision of a medical physician carries out the practice of prevention, emergency management, and physical rehabilitation of injuries incurred by athletes at an educational institution, professional athletic organization, and any athletes participating in athletic competition or events sponsored by these organizations or other board sanctioned organization. In carrying out these functions, the athletic trainer shall use whatever physical modalities are prescribed by a team physician or consulting physician, or both.

(2) "Board" means the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.

(3) "Board sanctioned" means such associations including but not limited to the Amateur Athletic Union, the International Olympic Committee and its affiliates, the Pan American Committee, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, college and university intramural sports, and National High School Athletic Association sports events.

(4) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Resources.

(5) "Educational institution" means a university, college, junior college, high school, junior high school, or grammar school, whether public or private.

(6) "Emergency management" means the immediate care given to an injured athlete until the services of a physician can be obtained. To accomplish this care, an athletic trainer may use such methods as accepted first aid procedures established by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association and protocol previously established by the athletic trainer and the team or consulting physicians.

(7) "Medical physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine by the board in the state.

(8) "Physical rehabilitation" means the care given to athletes following injury and recovery. These treatments and rehabilitation programs may consist of preestablished methods of physical modality use and exercise as prescribed by a team physician, consulting physician, or both. Physical rehabilitation also includes working cooperatively with and under the direction of a medical physician in respect to the following:

(a) Reconditioning procedures.

(b) Operation of therapeutic devices and equipment.

(c) Fitting of braces, guards, and other protective devices.

(d) Referrals to other physicians, auxiliary health services, and institutions.

(9) "Practice of prevention" shall include but is not limited to the following:

(a) Working cooperatively with supervisors and coaches in establishing and implementing a program of physical conditioning for athletes.

(b) Applying protective or injury-preventive devices such as taping, padding, bandaging, strapping, wrapping, or bracing.

(c) Working cooperatively with supervisors, coaches, and a team physician or consulting physician in the selection and fitting of protective athletic equipment for each athlete and constantly monitoring that equipment for safety.

(d) Counseling and advising supervisors, coaches, and athletes on physical conditioning and training such as diet, flexibility, rest, and reconditioning.

Acts 1985, No. 288, §1.