2/22/07OTPTAT Board1 The Role of the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board Otterbein College Athletic Training Program

2/22/07OTPTAT Board2 Opening Statements  All I need to do to practice in Ohio is pass the BOC certification exam and become an ATC.  I’ll be fine as long as I meet the requirements to renew my BOC certification.  There’s no difference between an ATC and an LAT.  My certification is more important than my license.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board3 Certification vs. Licensure  The AT Section of the Ohio OTPTAT Board issues licenses to practice as an athletic trainer in the State of Ohio.  The BOC certifies individuals as ATC’s to people who meet their requirements for certification.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board4 Certification vs. Licensure  You MUST hold a valid license issued by the AT Section of the Ohio OTPTAT Board to legally practice athletic training in the State of Ohio.  Certification  Licensure

2/22/07OTPTAT Board5 Ohio Revised Code Requirements  R.C (B) states: “Athletic trainer" means a person who meets the qualifications…for licensure and who is employed by an educational institution, professional or amateur organization, athletic facility, or health care facility to practice athletic training.  R.C states: “No person claim to the public to be an athletic trainer…or otherwise engage in the practice of athletic training, unless the person is licensed as an athletic trainer pursuant to this chapter.”

2/22/07OTPTAT Board6 Licensure vs. Certification  Although you need a state license to practice, as part of the initial application process, you will need to apply for BOC certification to take the BOC Certification Exam.  Upon passing the BOC Exam, you will receive certification and may call yourself an ATC. This does not mean you can legally practice in Ohio without a license.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board7 Licensure  If you practice with BOC Certification, but not Ohio licensure, you will be disciplined for practicing athletic training without a license!!

2/22/07OTPTAT Board8 Licensure vs. Certification  Once you receive your license to practice in Ohio, BOC certification is not required to renew your license to practice.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board9 OTPTAT v. BOC v. OATA The Alphabet Soup of the Profession  OTPTAT is your state regulatory agency. It licenses individuals and enforces the practice act.  BOC is a certification entity. Certification allows a practitioner to use the credentials ATC. It is not mandatory that you hold certification.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board10 OTPTAT v. NBCOT v. OATA  OATA is the state professional association. Along with the NATA, it advocates on the state/federal level for the profession.  The professional association  the licensing board.  State licensure does not require OATA membership.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board11 Mission of the AT Section The Mission of the AT Section is to Protect the Public, NOT the Licensee

2/22/07OTPTAT Board12 Composition of the Board  Joint Board consisting of an Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Section  Total of 8 full-time staff  AT Section has 5 Section members

2/22/07OTPTAT Board13 Board Members (Term Expires)  Kurt McClurg, AT, Bowling Green (8/27/07) AT Section Chair  Jody Benda, AT, Ada (8/27/08) OT Section Secretary  Thomas Best, MD, Columbus (8/27/07)  Paul Miller, AT, Lewis Center (8/27/08)  Vince O’Brien, AT, Columbus (8/27/09)

2/22/07OTPTAT Board14 OTPTAT Board Info  Staff: 2 Administrative Staff, 3 Investigative Staff, and 3 Licensure Staff  Website -  Any Board-related information you need can be obtained from the website: e.g.: Applications, Laws and Rules, Newsletter, etc.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board15 AT Licensure  Most applications reviewed by board staff  Only COMPLETE applications will be reviewed  For your safety, consider mailing your application via certified mail

2/22/07OTPTAT Board16 Licensure Requirements in Ohio What is required to be licensed as an AT?  Graduation from a CAATE accredited athletic training program.  Submission of the licensure application, including the application fee.  Passage of the BOC certification exam.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board17 Licensure in Other States  Every state that licenses athletic trainers has their own laws and regulations.  Before working in any state, determine that state’s licensure requirements and practice restrictions.  Not every state licenses athletic trainers. Some states allow ATs to legally work if they hold current BOC certification and register with the state. Some states have no mention of AT in the law.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board18 Renewal in Ohio  All AT licenses expire on May 15 of the individual’s renewal year.  If your renewal application is not completed and processed by that date, your license to practice will expire and you will be required to reinstate your license.  Licenses may be renewed on-line with payments made by Visa or MasterCard at

2/22/07OTPTAT Board19 Change of Address  Ohio law requires all licensees to notify the Board, in writing, of a change of address within THIRTY days of the change.  Failure to notify the Board, could result in the delay of the processing of your renewal application.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board20 Continuing Education  Rules and of the Ohio Administrative Code govern the continuing education requirements.  CE requirements for the Board vary from those required by BOC.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board21 Continuing Education (cont’d)  Ohio law does not require pre-approval of CE courses.  According to rule , a CE course is usually considered an acceptable learning activity if it is directly related to the clinical practice, management, or education of athletic trainers.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board22 Am. Sub. H.B. 403  Makes various revisions to R.C. Chapter 4755; Goes into effect on April 4,  Establishes term limits for Board members: Three, 3-year terms.  Requires licensees to pay the actual cost of an administrative hearing if disciplined by the Board.  Fixes AT Practice Act to prevent non-AT’s from practicing athletic training.

2/22/07OTPTAT Board23 Am. Sub. H.B. 403  Removes residency requirement.  Potentially changes renewal cycle.  Removes unlicensed practice loophole. Currently, an AT can perform services for up to 90 days without an Ohio license. New law clarifies that Ohio license is not required if the athletic trainer is:  Traveling with a visiting team or organization; or  Providing services at an event approved by AT Section (e.g.: US Track and Field national championships).

2/22/07OTPTAT Board24 Contacting the Board  You may contact the Board by any of the following methods: Internet: Phone: Fax:

2/22/07OTPTAT Board25 Contacting the Board  You may contact the Board by any of the following methods: Mail: OT Section Ohio OTPTAT Board 77 S. High Street, 16th Floor Columbus, OH