Professional Ethics

All athletic trainers shall comply with the following code of ethics, violation of which may subject an athletic trainer to disciplinary action pursuant to Rule 0150-01- .15. (1) General. (a) An athletic trainer has the responsibility of maintaining and improving services by constantly examining, using the increasing knowledge upon which the athletic trainer’s practice is based. (b) In order to maintain and enhance professional competence, an athletic trainer shall make use of appropriate educational opportunities and, when indicated, will seek consultation from colleagues and other suitable professionals. (c) An athletic trainer shall respect the integrity of all individuals and groups with whom he or she is working and will be protective of their physical and emotional welfare. (d) An athletic trainer shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, national origin, or age while performing assigned duties. (e) An athletic trainer shall not condone, engage in, or defend any conduct which violates any state statute or regulation. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING CHAPTER 0150-01 THE PRACTICE OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS (2) Drugs. (a) An athletic trainer shall not engage in or condone usage by an athlete of any prescription drug not specifically ordered by and given under the supervision of a licensed physician, which has been dispensed by a licensed pharmacist or licensed physician. (b) An athletic trainer shall not engage in or condone or allow the administration to an athlete of any nonprescription drug unless he or she operates under a protocol formulated by his overseeing physician. (c) The activities described in this paragraph require notation in records and prior, written consent from the athlete’s parent or guardian when the athlete is under eighteen (18) years of age. (3) Professional Representation. (a) An athletic trainer shall not misrepresent his or her professional qualifications. An athletic trainer meeting the requirements of the Board and having been duly licensed in the State of Tennessee may use the credentialing of “ATC, LAT” to signify both the BOC certification and licensure granted by the Board. (b) An athletic trainer shall practice only in those areas in which he or she is competent by reason of training or experience which can be substantiated by records or other evidence found acceptable by the Board in the exercise of the Board’s considered discretion. (4) Testimonials and Endorsements. (a) Endorsements of commercial products must be in keeping with the highest principles and standards of the athletic training profession. (b) The Board of Athletic Trainers or the names of any of its members may not be used in any testimonials and/or endorsements by athletic trainers. (5) Violation of this rule may subject the licensed athletic trainer to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 63-24-107(b) and 63-24-111(a)(5).