1. (1) A licensed physician may supervise up to fifteen (15) athletic trainers.

2. (2) Requests to supervise more than fifteen (15) athletic trainers must be submitted to the Advisory Council and approved in writing by the Board of Athletic Trainers and Board of Medical Examiners. When evaluating whether to recommend the approval or denial of a physician’s request to supervise more than fifteen (15) athletic trainers, the Advisory Council shall consider certain factors, including, but not limited to:

   1. (a) The supervising physician’s availability;
   2. (b) The parties’ disciplinary history and any licensure restrictions;
   3. (c) The parties’ practice settings;
   4. (d) The parties’ educational preparation, experience, and specialty;
   5. (e) Whether the proposed protocol creates an undue risk of harm to patients; and

   6. (f) The complexity and risk of procedures to be performed.

      After consideration of the factors listed herein, the Advisory Council may make a non-binding recommendation of approval or denial of a physician’s request to supervise more than fifteen (15) athletic trainers.

3. (3) A supervising physician shall maintain independent medical judgment related to the practice of medicine at all times, irrespective of employment structure or business model.

Author: Alabama Board of Medical Examiners

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§34-24-53; 34-40-3.2.

History: New Rule: Published February 28, 2022; effective April 14, 2022.