The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) monitors a wide range of licensed professionals for compliance with all applicable laws and rules. Among these licensed professionals are athletic trainers. Failure to follow these laws can result in disciplinary action against athletic trainers. When facing adverse consequences due to a disciplinary proceeding before TDLR, you likely need the advice and counsel of an experienced athletic trainer license defense attorney.
The TDLR recently adopted amendments to the existing rules governing athletic trainers. These amendments affect 16 Tex. Admin. Code (TAC) §§110.24, 110.30, and 110.70 and become effective on June 1, 2025.
According to the TDLR, the adopted rules are necessary to improve safety standards, clarify expectations, and eliminate confusion for athletic trainers. Amendments to the temporary license requirements are also intended to ensure that athletic trainers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to practice in the field.
License Renewal
TAC §110.24 is amended to state that licensees must affirm when renewing their licenses that all athletic training services rendered will be under the direction of a licensed physician or qualified, licensed health professional. Documentation of the required physician or qualified licensed health professional’s directive covering the athletic trainer must include a current, written document.
Temporary License
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The adopted rules add §110.30(a)(2) to require individuals to pass the written portion of the required athletic trainer examination before receiving a temporary license, with the temporary license expiring on the last day of the month following the next scheduled practical examination.
- 110.30(b) is amended to provide that a temporary license expires on the last day of the month of the next scheduled offering of the practical portion of the athletic trainer examination.
Standards of Conduct
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The adopted rules add §110.70(a)(1) to require athletic trainers to have a physical copy of the physician-delegated document before practicing. The sponsoring physician or health care professional must be authorized to refer for health care services within the scope of the license. As per §110.70(a)(2), the physician-delegated document must also be on file with the athletic trainer’s license or identification card, which must be available for review at all times.
Furthermore, under §110.70(a)(3), the physician-delegated document must include identifying and contact information for the sponsoring physician, including name, phone number, physical office address, and electronic mail address. Athletic trainers must renew their physician-delegated document each time the sponsoring physician changes.
What Are the Requirements for Renewing an Athletic Trainer License?
Athletic trainers are required to renew their athletic trainer licenses every two years. They must meet the following requirements for renewal under TAC §110.24:
- Completion of the required human trafficking prevention training;
- Affirmation that the athletic trainer will provide all services under the direction of a licensed physician or qualified, licensed health professional; and
- The physician’s or healthcare professional’s directive must be kept current and in writing.
What Are the Requirements for Getting a Temporary Athletic Trainer’s License?
Individuals must meet the educational and apprenticeship requirements for licensure and complete the written portion of the Athletic Trainer’s examination to obtain a temporary license.
What are the Standards of Conduct for Athletic Trainers?
Athletic trainers are subject to various standards of conduct, including the following:
- Work only under the direction of a licensed physician or another qualified, licensed health professional, who is authorized to refer for health care services within the scope of the person’s license;
- Never misrepresent any professional qualifications or credentials;
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- Never make any false or misleading claims about the effectiveness of any athletic training care;
- Never promote or endorse products falsely or misleadingly;
- Never abuse alcohol or drugs in a way that adversely affects care provided;
- Comply with all state laws and rules;
- Report violations of TDLR rules;
- Never present false information to TDLR on any application or other document or in any TDLR investigation or disciplinary proceeding;
- Never aid or abet the practice of an unlicensed person;
- Comply with any order issued by TDLR;
- Never provide health care services not within the definition of “athletic training except according to all state and federal laws and rules applicable to the provided services;
- Never receive or give a commission or rebate or any other form of remuneration for the referral of athletes for professional services;
- Provide athletic training services without discrimination based on race, creed, sex, religion, national origin, or age;
- Never violate any provision of any federal or state statute relating to confidential medical communications and/or records;
- Never offer professional services to a person concurrently receiving the same or similar professional services from another individual without their knowledge;
- Never engage in sexual contact or sexually exploitive behavior with a person receiving athletic training services;
- Never use advertising that is false, misleading, deceptive, or not readily subject to verification.
- Provide a written explanation of charges for athletic training services upon the written request of a client, a client’s guardian, or a client’s parent, if the client is a minor;
- Never engage in unreasonable or medically unnecessary billing;
- Display a license in their primary office or place of employment;
- Never display or carry a photocopy of a license certificate or license identification card instead of the original document;
- Never alter a TDLR license certificate or identification card;
- Notify TDLR of changes in name or preferred mailing address within thirty (30) days of such change;
- Never violate any provision of the Act; and
- Never hold themselves out as an athletic trainer or perform any of the duties of an athletic trainer unless properly licensed.
Get the Advice You Need About Your Athletic Trainer License
Alleged violations of TDLR rules can lead to the potential loss of your license and career. When you face this situation, you cannot afford to navigate it alone. The athletic trainer license defense lawyers at Bertolino LLP help professionals like you defend themselves against disciplinary proceedings by TDLR. We can examine your circumstances and help you devise the most effective strategy to protect your license. Contact us today at (512) 980-3751 or visit our website for more information.
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