PRINTER'S NO. 2680
No. 2171 Session of 1993
INTRODUCED BY GANNON, GRUPPO AND RAYMOND, OCTOBER 13, 1993
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND WELFARE, OCTOBER 13, 1993
AN ACT
1 Amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112),
2 entitled "An act relating to the right to practice medicine
3 and surgery and the right to practice medically related acts;
4 reestablishing the State Board of Medical Education and
5 Licensure as the State Board of Medicine and providing for
6 its composition, powers and duties; providing for the
7 issuance of licenses and certificates and the suspension and
8 revocation of licenses and certificates; providing penalties;
9 and making repeals," providing for services rendered by
10 athletic trainers.
11 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
12 hereby enacts as follows:
13 Section 1. The act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112),
14 known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, is amended by adding
15 a section to read:
16 Section 15.1. Athletic trainers.
17 (a) Authorized services.--An athletic trainer functioning in
18 the nonclinical setting may evaluate, treat and provide
19 appropriate first aid to injuries incurred by an athlete during
20 participation in or training for scholastic, professional or
21 sanctioned amateur athletic activities. Evaluation and/or
22 treatment by the athletic trainer to supportive staff,
1 spectators and other persons other than the athlete shall be
2 limited to first aid. An athletic trainer functioning in a
3 clinical setting may use therapeutic exercises and modalities
4 such as cold, light, air, massage, water, sound and electricity
5 for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. The athletic
6 trainer may also provide first aid in the clinical setting.
7 (b) Referrals required.--All treatments for injuries to
8 athletes require a physician's referral, except for minor
9 sprains, strains and contusions, first aid excluded.
10 (c) Supervision.--All treatment by the athletic trainer in a
11 clinical setting shall be performed while under the direct,
12 onsite supervision of a physician specializing in physical
13 medicine and rehabilitation. The athletic trainer in a clinical
14 setting may not independently initiate, modify or discharge a
15 patient's program.
16 Section 2. All acts and parts of acts are repealed insofar
17 as they are inconsistent with this act.
18 Section 3. This act shall take effect in 30 days.
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