1 CHAPTER 20:63:01
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section
20:63:01:01 Definitions.
20:63:01:02 Date of notice, Repealed.
20:63:01:03 Filing of physician's written protocol practice guideline agreement.
20:63:01:04 Revision of physician's written protocol practice guideline agreement.
20:63:01:05 Repealed.
20:63:01:01. Definitions. Terms defined in SDCL 36-29-1 have the same meaning when
used in this article. mean:
(1) "Team physician," a person licensed by the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
to practice medicine or osteopathy in this state and designated by an athletic team as its physician;
(2) "Physician's written protocol," a written statement by the team physician indicating the
functions and procedures allowed to be performed by the athletic trainer under the direction of the
team physician;
(3) "Athletic training course requirements," course work in the subject matter areas of
prevention and care of athletic injuries and illnesses; evaluation of athletic injuries and illnesses;
first aid and emergency care; therapeutic modalities; therapeutic exercise; human anatomy; human
physiology; exercise physiology; kinesiology and biomechanics; nutrition; psychology; personal
and community health; and instructional methods;
(4) "Athletic training,” in addition to the skills listed in SDCL subdivision 36-29-1(1), the
practice of athletic training includes the skills as listed in the Commission on Accreditation of
Athletic Training Education, Standards, and Procedures for Accreditation of Professional Programs
in Athletic Training, 2020, Section IV.
2 Source: 13 SDR 9, effective August 4, 1986; 43 SDR 131, effective April 20, 2017; 50 SDR
12, effective August 10, 2023.
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-1, 36-29-3.
Reference: Commission on Accreditation on Athletic Training Education, Standards and
Procedures for Accreditation of Professional Programs in Athletic Training, 2020. Copies may be
obtained from https://caate.net/Programs/Professional/Professional-Program-Standards.
3 20:63:01:02. Date of notice. The date of all notices required to be given to the board, unless
otherwise specifically provided in this article, is the date upon which the document is received at the
office of the board Repealed.
Source: 13 SDR 9, effective August 4, 1986.
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-1, 36-29-24.
4 20:63:01:03. Filing of physician's written protocol practice guideline agreement. One
copy of the physician's written protocol The athletic trainer shall submit a practice guideline
agreement to the board, on a form approved by the board, and maintained by each of the following
persons or parties:
(1) The South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners;
(2) (1) The team physician; and
(3) (2) The athletic trainer.
Source: 13 SDR 9, effective August 4, 1986.
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-1 36-29-1.1.
5 20:63:01:04. Revision of physician's written protocol practice guideline agreement. The
A physician's written protocol may modify practice guideline agreement for an athletic trainer may
be modified from time to time if the team physician determines that the athletic trainer is competent,
through training or experience, to perform a revised scope of athletic training the functions and
procedures performed by the athletic trainer should be revised.
Source: 13 SDR 9, effective August 4, 1986.
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-1(2) 36-29-1.1.
6 CHAPTER 20:63:02
LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Section
20:63:02:01 Application for licensure by examination, Repealed.
20:63:02:02 Application for licensure by reciprocity, Repealed.
20:63:02:03 Replacement of license.
20:63:02:04 Evidence of change of name.
20:63:02:05 Fees for licensure or renewal.
20:63:02:06 Examination.
20:63:02:01. Application for licensure by examination. An applicant for licensure by
examination may apply for the examination following successful completion of athletic training
course requirements. The examination shall test for proficiency in the area of knowledge and skill
required in SDCL 36-29-1(1). The applicant shall apply on a form provided by the board at least
seven weeks before the scheduled date of the examination. The application shall show that the
applicant meets the legal requirements for licensing and shall be accompanied by the fee required
by § 20:63:02:05. The board or its designated representative shall interview the candidate prior to
the written examination. An applicant who has not successfully completed a course in therapeutic
modalities must demonstrate competence in therapeutic modalities to a board-approved examiner
Repealed.
Source: 13 SDR 9, effective August 4, 1986; 43 SDR 131, effective April 20, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-3.
7 20:63:02:02. Application for licensure by reciprocity. An applicant for licensure by
reciprocity shall file an application with the board on forms provided by the board. The applicant
shall submit a certified copy of the applicant's current valid license from another state or territory or
proof of certification from the Board of Certification Repealed.
Source: 13 SDR 9, effective August 4, 1986; 43 SDR 131, effective April 20, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-5.
8 20:63:02:05. Fees for licensure or renewal. The board shall charge the following
application fees for licensure as an athletic trainer shall be charged:
(1) An applicant applying for the initial license shall pay a fee of $100, one hundred dollars;
and
(2) An applicant for reexamination shall pay a fee of $50;
(3) An applicant for A license renewal of a license upon expiration shall pay a fee of $50,
fifty dollars.
Source: 13 SDR 9, effective August 4, 1986; 23 SDR 70, effective November 11, 1996.
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-6, 36-29-10, 36-29-11, 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-3, 36-29-6, 36-29-10, 36-29-11.
9 CHAPTER 20:63:03
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Section
20:63:03:01 Continuing education requirements.
20:63:03:02 Standards for continuing education.
20:63:03:03 Reporting continuing education.
20:63:03:04 Waiver of continuing education requirements.
20:63:03:04. Waiver of continuing education requirements. The board may waive the
annual continuing education requirements for an athletic trainer if the athletic trainer submits an
affidavit to the board attesting that the athletic trainer was prevented from completing the
requirements because of illness or undue hardship.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-14.
10 CHAPTER 20:63:04
ETHICS
Section
20:63:04:01 Ethics.
20:63:04:02 Violations.
20:63:04:03 Ethical considerations, Repealed.
20:63:04:01. Ethics. A licensee under SDCL chapter 36-29 An athletic trainer shall comply
with the following code of ethics practice standards and code of professional responsibility found in
the Board of Certification Standards of Professional Practice, 2024.
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 patient's level of function. The patient's
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
11 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 patient's status.
Standard 7: Organization and Administration
All services are documented in writing by the Athletic Trainer and are part of the patient's
permanent records. The Athletic Trainer accepts responsibility for recording details of the patient's
health status.
Code of Professional Responsibility
Code 1: Patient Responsibility
The Athletic Trainer or applicant:
1.1 Renders quality patient care regardless of the patient's 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 patient's best interests and is an advocate
for the patient's 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
12 1.5 Communicates clearly and truthfully with patients and other persons involved in the
patient's 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 Participants 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 patient's care
3.4 Respects the expertise and responsibility of all healthcare providers involved in a patient's
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, and 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
13 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, certificate 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 a 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:
14 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
Source: 41 SDR 180, effective May 21, 2015.
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-17, 36-29-19.
Reference: Board of Certification Standards of Professional Practice, 2006 2024, Board
of Certification for the Athletic Trainer. Copies may be obtained at no cost from
http://www.bocatc.org/resources/standards-of-professional-practice.
15 20:63:04:03. Ethical considerations. The board may utilize the annotations and opinions
included in the board of certification standards of professional conduct, 2006 as guidance in
determining whether a licensee has violated professional ethical standards and conduct. Repealed.
Source: 41 SDR 180, effective May 21, 2015.
General Authority: SDCL 36-29-17.
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-29-19.