ALATA - Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association

ALABAMA ATHLETIC TRAINING LICENSURE ACT

Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association On May 13, 1994 the Governor of Alabama signed a historical bill into law that is known as the Alabama Athletic Training Licensure Act. The Alabama Athletic Training Licensure Act promotes public protection by having qualified persons licensed as athletic trainers, title protection and sets standards known as rules and regulations by which any licensed athletic trainer in the state of Alabama must abide. Prior to this act there was no Alabama statute specifically providing for the regulation and licensure of athletic training. Under present law this act provides for the regulation and licensure of athletic trainers and prescribes certain continuing educational requirements for athletic trainers in the state of Alabama. This act also provides for an athletic trainers' board, powers and duties; provides for a fund and appropriation; and prescribes fines and penalties for violations of this act.

Alabama Athletic Trainers Licensure Act

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Contact the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers at:
Leah Taylor, Executive Secretary
Mailing Address	Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers Post Office Box 243011 Montgomery, Alabama 36124
Telephone No.:	334/264-1929
	877/271-3399 (Toll Free)
Email:	athletictrainers@bellsouth.net
Fax:	334/262-2663

IMPORTANT NOTICE
CONCERNING RENEWAL OF YOUR LICENSE TO PRACTICE
ATHLETIC TRAINING IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA

Following a recent survey of athletic trainers conducted as part of the Board’s Sunset Review performed by the Alabama Department of Public Examiners, the Board was advised that approximately 25% of licensees who responded to the Sunset Review Committee’s Licensee Survey expressed concerns over the length of time it took the Board to issue renewal ID cards. Based on this response, the Board’s legal counsel advised the Board to change the renewal dates and procedures to expedite the renewal process and issuance of licensure ID cards to renewing athletic trainers.

The changes discussed below have been adopted by the Board and are effective beginning with the upcoming renewal for 2010.

Your annual licensure year continues to be January 1 – December 31, and all licenses EXPIRE on December 31. The 90-day grace period in Section 34-40-5(b) of the Code of Alabama does not allow for you to practice with an expired license; it merely allows for you to submit a renewal application during that 90-day period without having to reapply for licensure. As you know, it is illegal to practice athletic training in the State of Alabama without a license…this includes an expired license.(Code of Alabama, Section 34-40-12)
There is now an annual renewal year during which your 26 CEUs must be earned and your application for renewal submitted. That period is December 1 – November 30.
- During the first year of implementation licensees will be required to complete 10/12’s of their normal CEU requirement for the year. What this means is that for next year’s renewal (2010) only, licensees will be required to earn and document 22 CEUs rather than 26 CEUs.
The Board will begin accepting applications for renewal on October 1 for the next year’s renewal.

Applications for renewal submitted with a postmark later than November 30 will be considered late and assessed a $50 late fee.

CEUs earned after November 30 for the next license year will be considered late and subject to late CEU fees.

We are confident that our revised renewal schedule will enable the Board to process renewals and issue ID cards to renewing athletic trainers in a more efficient manner. Our timeline is listed below:

	October 1	Board begins accepting applications for renewal for the next year
	November 30	Applications for Renewal due for the next year’s renewal
	Early December	CEU Review Committee reviews applications for renewal Notices of non-receipt mailed to appropriate licensees
	Mid-December	ID cards mailed to renewal applicants fulfilling renewal requirements As determined by CEU Review Committee
	Mid-to-late December	Deficiency letters mailed to renewal applicants failing to fulfill renewal requirements as determined by CEU Review Committee
	January 1	Renewal applicants with deficiencies have 90 days to correct

Please feel free to call the Board Office if you have questions.

BOARD OFFICE INFORMATION

Leah Taylor, Executive Secretary

Mailing Address	Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers Post Office Box 243011 Montgomery, Alabama 36124
Telephone No.:	334/264-1929
	877/271-3399 (Toll Free)
Email:	athletictrainers@bellsouth.net
Fax:	334/262-2663

DEFINITION OF A LICENSED ATHLETIC TRAINER

Any person licensed by the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers as an athletic trainer and who practices athletic training on an athlete under the direction or referral, or both, of a licensed physician after meeting the requirements of the act and rules and regulations. Licensed athletic trainers follow protocols approved jointly by the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.

ALABAMA BOARD OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS

The Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers regulates the profession of athletic training within the state. The Board is composed of nine members; three physicians appointed by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama and six licensed athletic trainers appointed by the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association.

NATABOC CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Certified athletic trainers are recognized by the American Medical Association as allied healthcare providers. Through their advanced educational background they are able to provide the utmost professional care possible, early evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries, and proper medical referral. Athletic trainers not only provide quality healthcare but they also educate athletes in prevention of injuries. Therefore the standard for licensure in the state of Alabama is NATABOC certification. This nationally accredited board examination ensures minimum standards for entry level athletic trainers.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Required courses in undergraduate studies as outlined by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) (including health, human anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, human physiology, physiology of exercise, basic and advanced athletic training, first aid, and CPR).
Practical experience under the direct supervision of a NATABOC certified athletic trainer.
Baccalaureate degree---accredited college/university.
Successful completion of a three part certification examination (written, oral practical, and written simulation) as set forth by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (NATABOC).
Continuing Education Units (80 CEU's in a 3 year reporting period --- 80 contact hours)

There are colleges and universities in Alabama that have approved athletic training curriculums. These settings provide an environment for students to learn the fundamentals necessary to become proficient certified athletic trainers.

DOMAINS OF ATHLETIC TRAINING

These domains are categorized according to the major tacks comprising the role of the certified athletic trainer. There domains have been identified as those necessary to be effective in functioning as a certified athletic trainer.

Prevention of athletic injuries/illnesses.
Evaluation and recognition of athletic injuries/illnesses and medical referral.
First Aid and emergency care.
Rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries.
Organization and administration.
Counseling
Guidance and education of athletes.

SETTINGS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Colleges and Universities
High Schools
Sports Medicine Clinics/hospitals
Professional sports
Industrial/Corporate
Fitness centers
Gyms and clubs.

National Athletic Trainers' Association, as a leader in health care for the physically active, believes that the prevention and treatment of injures to student-athletes is a priority. The recognition and treatment of injures to student-athletes must be immediate. The medical delivery system for injured student-athletes needs a coordinator within the local school community who will facilitate the prevention, recognition, treatment and reconditioning of sports related injuries. Therefore, it is the position of the National Athletic Trainers' Association that all high schools should provide the services of a certified athletic trainer (ATC) to student athletes.

As a qualified health care professional, understanding the nature, severity and management of injures properly prepares the licensed athletic trainer in effective communication and guidance between both parents and coaches.

The presence of a licensed athletic trainer serves as a worth beyond the cost to a school, coach, parents and above all athletes. Athletic trainers have a responsibility to provide expert care and management of sports injuries to all those involved. This responsibility can help reduce the possibility of complications of even the most minor of injuries.