Definitions: "BOC, Inc.," means the Board of Certification, Incorporated, or its successor agency, the National Credentialing Agency of Athletic Trainers; formerly referred to as the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. "Athletic Training" means the treatment of an athlete for risk management and athletic injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an athlete for an injury or illness, or both, the immediate care and treatment for an injury or illness, or both, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an athlete's injury or illness, or both, as long as those activities are performed under the direction of a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. The practice of athletic training does not include the practice of physical therapy, the practice of medicine, the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery, the practice of nursing or the practice of chiropractic. “Athletic Trainer" means a person licensed by the Department of Health as an athletic trainer after meeting the requirements of these rules and regulations who, upon the advice, consent and oral or written prescriptions or referrals of a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, carries out the practice of athletic training, and in carrying out these functions the athletic trainer is authorized to use physical modalities, such as heat, light, sound, cold, electricity or mechanical devices related to prevention, recognition, evaluation, management, disposition, rehabilitation and treatment. An athletic trainer shall practice only in those areas in which the athletic trainer is competent due to training or experience that can be substantiated by records or other evidence found acceptable by the board in the exercise of the board's considered discretion. "Practice and Performance of Athletic Training" means functioning in the nonclinical and clinical setting under the direction of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, evaluating, treating, and providing appropriate immediate care and treatment to injuries incurred by an athlete during participation in or training for scholastic, recreational, professional, or sanctioned amateur athletic activities. Evaluation and treatment by an athletic trainer in the nonclinical setting to supportive staff, spectators, and other persons other than an athlete shall be limited to immediate care and treatment. An athletic trainer functioning in a clinical setting may evaluate and provide treatment for an athletic injury under the direction or referral of a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. An athletic trainer functioning in the nonclinical and clinical setting may use therapeutic exercise and modalities such as heat, cold, light, air, massage, water, sound and electricity for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and the use of passive (manual and mechanical) techniques for the purpose of treatment. Licensure Licensure Requirements: An applicant for licensure shall submit to the Department, verified by oath, written evidence in form and content satisfactory to the Department that the applicant; 1. Has satisfactorily completed all of the BOC, Inc., qualifications and is certified as an athletic trainer by BOC, Inc., and is in good standing, or 2. Holds a degree in physical therapy and has completed the BOC, Inc., certification requirements. Renewal of License General Provisions 1. The Board shall issue licenses that shall be renewed annually. 2. The licensure year shall be construed as January 1 through December 31. Exceptions: No person shall represent himself to be an athletic trainer unless he is licensed by the Board. 1. The provisions of this chapter shall not restrict coaches and physical education instructors in the performance of their duties. 2. The provisions of this chapter shall not restrict athletic trainers from other nations, states, or territories performing their duties for their respective teams or organizations and only during the course of their team or organization's stay in this state. 3. Nothing in these regulations is intended to limit, preclude, or otherwise interfere with the practices of other persons and health providers licensed by appropriate agencies of the State of Mississippi. 4. Nothing in these regulations shall be construed to authorize the practice of medicine or nursing by any person not licensed by the State Board of Medical Licensure or the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
