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Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
Beginning January 1, 1996 a person may not profess to be an athletic trainer or use the title “athletic trainer” alone or in connection with other words or the initials “AT” alone or in connection with other initials, whether or not compensation is received, unless licensed in accordance with this chapter.
1. Athletic training. When providing athletic training to an athlete without referral from a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry, the athletic trainer is subject to the following requirements.
A. An athletic trainer may not make a medical diagnosis. The athletic trainer shall refer to a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry an athlete whose physical condition, either at the initial evaluation or during subsequent treatment, the athletic trainer determines to be beyond the scope of the practice of the athletic trainer.
B. If there is no improvement in an athlete who has sustained an athletic injury within 15 days of initiation of treatment, the athletic trainer shall refer the athlete to a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry or a licensed physical therapist.
C. If an athletic injury requires treatment for more than 45 days, the athletic trainer shall consult with, or refer the athlete to, a licensed doctor of medicine, surgery, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry or a licensed physical therapist. The athletic trainer shall document the action taken.
2. Training of recreational athlete. When providing athletic training to the recreational athlete, for other than emergency care or the care of minor sprains, strains and contusions, the athletic trainer shall refer the athlete to a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry or a licensed physical therapist.
For the treatment of the recreational athlete, for other than emergency care or the care of minor sprains, strains and contusions, the athletic trainer must receive referral from a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry or a licensed physical therapist.
When providing care and treatment to the recreational athlete sustaining minor sprains, strains and contusions, the athletic trainer is subject to the following requirements.
A. An athletic trainer may not make a medical diagnosis. The athletic trainer shall refer to a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry an athlete whose physical condition, either at the initial evaluation or during subsequent treatment, the athletic trainer determines to be beyond the scope of practice of the athletic trainer.
B. If there is no improvement in a recreational athlete who has sustained an athletic injury within 15 days of initiation of treatment, the athletic trainer shall refer the recreational athlete to a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry or a licensed physical therapist.
C. If an athletic injury requires treatment for more than 45 days, the athletic trainer shall consult with or refer the recreational athlete to a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry or a licensed physical therapist.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maine Revised Statutes Title 32. Professions and Occupations § 14354. Necessity for licensure - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/me/title-32-professions-and-occupations/me-rev-st-tit-32-sect-14354/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
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