S.D. Admin. R. 20:63:04:01

Current through Register Vol. 50, page 162, June 24, 2024

Section 20:63:04:01 - Ethics

A licensee under SDCL 36-29 shall comply with the following code of ethics.

Practice Standards

Standard 1: Direction

The Athletic Trainer renders service or treatment under the direction of a physician.

Standard 2: Prevention

The Athletic Trainer understands and uses preventive measures to ensure the highest quality of care for every patient.

Standard 3: Immediate Care

The Athletic Trainer provides standard immediate care procedures used in emergency situations, independent of setting.

Standard 4: Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis

Prior to treatment, the Athletic Trainer assesses the patients level of function. The patients input is considered an integral part of the initial assessment. The Athletic Trainer follows standardized clinical practice in the area of diagnostic reasoning and medical decision making.

Standard 5: Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning

In development of a treatment program, the Athletic Trainer determines appropriate treatment, rehabilitation and/ or reconditioning strategies. Treatment program objectives include long- and short-term goals and an appraisal of those which the patient can realistically be expected to achieve from the program. Assessment measures to determine effectiveness of the program are incorporated into the program.

Standard 6: Program Discontinuation

The Athletic Trainer, with collaboration of the physician, recommends discontinuation of the athletic training service when the patient has received optimal benefit of the program. The Athletic Trainer, at the time of discontinuation, notes the final assessment of the patients status.

Standard 7: Organization and Administration

All services are documented in writing by the Athletic Trainer and are part of the patients permanent records. The Athletic Trainer accepts responsibility for recording details of the patients health status.

Code of Professional Responsibility

Code 1: Patient Responsibility

The Athletic Trainer or applicant:

1.1 Renders quality patient care regardless of the patients race, religion, age, sex, nationality, disability, social/economic status or any other characteristic protected by law

1.2 Protects the patient from harm, acts always in the patients best interests and is an advocate for the patients welfare

1.3 Takes appropriate action to protect patients from Athletic Trainers, other healthcare providers or athletic training students who are incompetent, impaired or engaged in illegal or unethical practice

1.4 Maintains the confidentiality of patient information in accordance with applicable law

1.5 Communicates clearly and truthfully with patients and other persons involved in the patients program, including, but not limited to, appropriate discussion of assessment results, program plans and progress

1.6 Respects and safeguards his or her relationship of trust and confidence with the patient and does not exploit his or her relationship with the patient for personal or financial gain

1.7 Exercises reasonable care, skill and judgment in all professional work

Code 2: Competency

The Athletic Trainer or applicant:

2.1 Engages in lifelong, professional and continuing educational activities

2.2 Participates in continuous quality improvement activities

2.3 Complies with the most current BOC recertification policies and requirements

Code 3: Professional Responsibility

The Athletic Trainer or applicant:

3.1 Practices in accordance with the most current BOC Practice Standards

3.2 Knows and complies with applicable local, state and/or federal rules, requirements, regulations and/or laws related to the practice of athletic training

3.3 Collaborates and cooperates with other healthcare providers involved in a patients care

3.4 Respects the expertise and responsibility of all healthcare providers involved in a patients care

3.5 Reports any suspected or known violation of a rule, requirement, regulation or law by him/herself and/or by another Athletic Trainer that is related to the practice of athletic training, public health, patient care or education

3.6 Reports any criminal convictions (with the exception of misdemeanor traffic offenses or traffic ordinance violations that do not involve the use of alcohol or drugs) and/or professional suspension, discipline or sanction received by him/herself or by another Athletic Trainer that is related to athletic training, public health, patient care or education

3.7 Complies with all BOC exam eligibility requirements and ensures that any information provided to the BOC in connection with any certification application is accurate and truthful

3.8 Does not, without proper authority, possess, use, copy, access, distribute or discuss certification exams, score reports, answer sheets, certificates, certificant or applicant files, documents or other materials

3.9 Is candid, responsible and truthful in making any statement to the BOC, and in making any statement in connection with athletic training to the public

3.10 Complies with all confidentiality and disclosure requirements of the BOC

3.11 Does not take any action that leads, or may lead, to the conviction, plea of guilty or plea of nolo contendere (no contest) to any felony or to a misdemeanor related to public health, patient care, athletics or education; this includes, but is not limited to: rape; sexual abuse of a child or patient; actual or threatened use of a weapon of violence; the prohibited sale or distribution of controlled substance, or its possession with the intent to distribute; or the use of the position of an Athletic Trainer to improperly influence the outcome or score of an athletic contest or event or in connection with any gambling activity

3.12 Cooperates with BOC investigations into alleged illegal or unethical activities; this includes but is not limited to, providing factual and non-misleading information and responding to requests for information in a timely fashion

3.13 Does not endorse or advertise products or services with the use of, or by reference to, the BOC name without proper authorization

Code 4: Research

The Athletic Trainer or applicant who engages in research:

4.1 Conducts research according to accepted ethical research and reporting standards established by public law, institutional procedures and/or the health professions

4.2 Protects the rights and well-being of research subjects

4.3 Conducts research activities with the goal of improving practice, education and public policy relative to the health needs of diverse populations, the health workforce, the organization and administration of health systems and healthcare delivery

Code 5: Social Responsibility

The Athletic Trainer or applicant:

5.1 Uses professional skills and knowledge to positively impact the community

Code 6: Business Practices

The Athletic Trainer or applicant:

6.1 Refrains from deceptive or fraudulent business practices

6.2 Maintains adequate and customary professional liability insurance

S.D. Admin. R. 20:63:04:01

41 SDR180, effective 5/21/2015

General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17

Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-19

Board of Certification Standards of Professional Practice, 2006. Copies may be obtained from http://www.bocatc.org/resources/standards-of-professional-practice.