49-6-408 - Certified athletic trainers in public high schools Pilot program. - Tennessee Statutes

49-6-408. Certified athletic trainers in public high schools Pilot program.

(a)  There may be established a two-year pilot program to provide certified athletic trainers in public high schools. If a pilot program is established, the pilot program shall be implemented by the department of education in conjunction with LEAs. If a program is established, the pilot program shall be installed in two (2) high schools in each grand division of the state. In implementing the pilot program, the department of education shall choose high schools that financially support the program and will commit to partnerships with groups of orthopedic physicians who will furnish supervision of the certified athletic trainers and financial or in-kind donations to the program.

(b)  The goals of the certified athletic trainer pilot program shall include, but not be limited to:

     (1)  Placement of one (1) full-time certified athletic trainer in each participating high school;

     (2)  Equipment of training and treatment facilities in each participating high school to provide rehabilitation;

     (3)  Provision of summer training programs for teachers, coaches and trainers;

     (4)  Provision of at least three (3) community workshops each year for the public on athletic safety and other appropriate topics;

     (5)  Development of plans for providing coverage by a certified athletic trainer for all varsity athletic events, and, if possible, at other athletic events;

     (6)  Enhancement of communication and quality of care by establishing working relationships with teams, community physicians, parents and coaches;

     (7)  Maintenance of records documenting all injuries and rehabilitation procedures; and

     (8)  Maintenance of documentation of pilot program services.

(c)  Each LEA with schools participating in the pilot program shall report its findings and conclusions concerning the efficacy of the program and any recommendations to the department of education at the conclusion of each school year in which the pilot program is implemented. Each year, the department shall compile and report its findings, conclusions and recommendations concerning the pilot program to the education committees of the senate and the house of representatives and to the state board of education.

[Acts 2006, ch. 946, §§ 1-3.]