NRS: CHAPTER 640B - ATHLETIC TRAINERS

[Rev. 6/29/2024 4:48:26 PM--2023]

CHAPTER 640B - ATHLETIC TRAINERS

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 640B.003 Legislative declaration.

NRS 640B.005 Definitions.

NRS 640B.011 “Assessment” defined.

NRS 640B.015 “Athlete” defined.

NRS 640B.021 “Athletic injury” defined.

NRS 640B.025 “Board” defined.

NRS 640B.031 “Direction” defined.

NRS 640B.035 “Disposition” defined.

NRS 640B.037 “Dry needling” defined.

NRS 640B.041 “Evaluation” defined.

NRS 640B.045 “Grade 5 joint mobilization” defined.

NRS 640B.051 “Graduate student athletic trainer” defined.

NRS 640B.055 “Joint mobilization” defined.

NRS 640B.060 “License” defined.

NRS 640B.065 “Licensee” defined.

NRS 640B.070 “Management” defined.

NRS 640B.075 “Passive joint range of motion” defined.

NRS 640B.081 “Passive range of motion” defined.

NRS 640B.085 “Physician” defined.

NRS 640B.090 “Practice of athletic training” defined.

NRS 640B.095 “Prevention” defined.

NRS 640B.101 “Recognition” defined.

NRS 640B.105 “Reconditioning” defined.

NRS 640B.111 “Student athletic trainer” defined.

NRS 640B.115 “Supervision” defined.

NRS 640B.120 “Treatment” defined.

NRS 640B.145 Applicability of chapter.

NRS 640B.155 License is revocable privilege; holder acquires no vested right.

BOARD OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Organization and Administration

NRS 640B.170 Creation; appointment and qualifications of members; terms, vacancies and removal from office; limitations on civil liability.

NRS 640B.190 Election of Chair; meetings; quorum.

NRS 640B.200 Employment of Executive Secretary and other personnel; members of Board not entitled to salary; per diem allowance and travel expenses of members and employees.

NRS 640B.210 Fiscal year.

NRS 640B.220 Payment of expenses; deposit of money; delegation of authority to take disciplinary action; deposit of fines; claim for attorney’s fees and costs of investigation.

General Powers and Duties

NRS 640B.250 Preparation, maintenance and disclosure of certain information regarding applicants and licensees; record of proceedings and transactions; seal; enforcement of chapter.

NRS 640B.260 Regulations.

NRS 640B.270 Inspection of offices and facilities of persons practicing athletic training.

LICENSES

General Provisions

NRS 640B.300 License required to practice athletic training; certain acts prohibited without license; exception for certain student athletic trainers; injunctive relief.

NRS 640B.310 Requirements for license: Qualifications; application; fingerprints; fees; examination; exception; reapplication after failure to pass examination.

NRS 640B.320 Preparation of examinations; prohibition against participating in preparing or grading examination.

NRS 640B.330 Issuance of license to persons licensed in other jurisdictions.

NRS 640B.335 Temporary exemption from licensure to practice athletic training for athletic trainer providing services to visiting athletic team or athletic event in this State; extension of exemption; conditions and limitations.

NRS 640B.340 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of license; duty of Board. [Effective until the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 640B.340 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of license; duty of Board. [Effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings and expires by limitation 2 years after that date.]

NRS 640B.350 Display of license.

Scope of Practice

NRS 640B.370 Educational requirements to conduct evaluation of athletic injury or perform joint mobilization or to perform passive range of motion or passive joint range of motion.

Expiration, Renewal and Restoration; Fees

NRS 640B.400 Expiration; procedure for renewal or restoration.

NRS 640B.405 Renewal: Authority of Board to make data request concerning demographic and practice information available to applicants for voluntary completion and electronic submission; confidentiality of information provided.

NRS 640B.410 Fees; regulations.

DISCIPLINARY AND OTHER ACTIONS

NRS 640B.700 Grounds; authorized disciplinary or other action; private reprimands prohibited; orders imposing discipline deemed public records.

NRS 640B.710 Suspension of license for failure to pay child support or comply with certain subpoenas or warrants; reinstatement of license. [Effective until 2 years after the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 640B.720 Investigations and hearings; oaths and examination of witnesses; payment of fees and mileage; subpoenas.

NRS 640B.730 Confidentiality of certain records of Board; exceptions; retention of complaints.

PROHIBITED ACTS; PENALTIES; ENFORCEMENT

NRS 640B.890 Limitation on insertion of same needle during dry needling.

NRS 640B.900 Penalties; report by Board to district attorney for prosecution.

_________

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 640B.003 Legislative declaration. The practice of athletic training is hereby declared to be a learned profession, affecting public health, safety and welfare, and subject to regulation to protect the public from the practice of athletic training by unqualified persons and from unprofessional conduct by persons who are licensed to engage in the practice of athletic training.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 896)

NRS 640B.005 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 640B.011 to 640B.120, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 893; A 2019, 1587)

NRS 640B.011 “Assessment” defined. “Assessment” includes taking the medical history of a patient, visually inspecting the injured portion of the body and the associated structures, palpating the bony landmarks and soft tissue and applying special tests to systematically assess the pathology and extent of the injury or condition.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.015 “Athlete” defined. “Athlete” means a natural person who:

1. Participates in an athletic activity conducted by:

(a) An intercollegiate athletic association or interscholastic athletic association;

(b) A professional athletic organization; or

2. Participates in a recreational sport activity that:

(a) Has officially designated coaches;

(b) Conducts regularly scheduled practices or workouts that are supervised by coaches; and

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.021 “Athletic injury” defined. “Athletic injury” means an injury or athletic-related illness, or both, that a person sustains as a result of:

1. Participation in an athletic activity conducted by:

(a) An intercollegiate athletic association or interscholastic athletic association;

(b) A professional athletic organization; or

2. Participation in a recreational sport activity that:

(a) Has officially designated coaches;

(b) Conducts regularly scheduled practices or workouts that are supervised by coaches; and

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.025 “Board” defined. “Board” means the Board of Athletic Trainers.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.031 “Direction” defined. “Direction” means an order issued by a physician to follow as a protocol, recommendation or oral order that is documented by the licensed athletic trainer or physician, or both.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.035 “Disposition” defined. “Disposition” means the application of accepted management techniques to provide the appropriate care and resources concerning an athletic injury.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.037 “Dry needling” defined. “Dry needling”:

1. Means a skilled technique performed by an athletic trainer using a single-use, single-insertion, sterile filiform needle, which is used to penetrate the skin or underlying tissue to effect change in body conditions, pain, movement, impairment and disability.

2. Does not include:

(a) The stimulation of an auricular point;

(b) The stimulation of sinus points or other nonlocal points to treat underlying organs;

(d) The teaching or application of acupuncture.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 1587)

NRS 640B.041 “Evaluation” defined. “Evaluation” includes, without limitation, the use of joint range of motion, manual muscle tests, ligamentous stress tests, neurological tests and functional capacity assessments.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.045 “Grade 5 joint mobilization” defined. “Grade 5 joint mobilization” means the movement of a joint beyond its physiological and capsular end point.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.051 “Graduate student athletic trainer” defined. “Graduate student athletic trainer” means a graduate student who:

1. Is enrolled in a graduate program of study approved by the Board; and

2. Engages in the practice of athletic training under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.055 “Joint mobilization” defined. “Joint mobilization” means a learned, skilled, passive movement of articulating surfaces of a person to relieve pain and restore functional movement of the articulating surfaces without pain to the person. The term does not include:

1. The diagnosis of a physical disability;

2. The massaging of the superficial soft tissues of the body;

3. The use of X-rays or radium;

4. The use of electricity for cauterization or surgery;

5. Chiropractic adjustment as defined in NRS 634.014; or

6. Grade 5 joint mobilization.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 894)

NRS 640B.060 “License” defined. “License” means a license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895)

NRS 640B.065 “Licensee” defined. “Licensee” means a person who has been issued a license as an athletic trainer pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895)

NRS 640B.070 “Management” defined. “Management” means the act of controlling or influencing an injury, illness or condition.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895)

NRS 640B.075 “Passive joint range of motion” defined. “Passive joint range of motion” means any movement of an articulating surface of a person without the active assistance of that person, which is performed with equipment or by another person.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895)

NRS 640B.081 “Passive range of motion” defined. “Passive range of motion” means any movement of a part of a person without the active assistance of that person, which is performed with equipment or by another person.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895)

NRS 640B.085 “Physician” defined. “Physician” means:

1. A physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630 of NRS;

2. An osteopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 633 of NRS;

3. A homeopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS;

4. A chiropractic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 634 of NRS;

5. A naprapath licensed pursuant to chapter 634B of NRS; or

6. A podiatric physician licensed pursuant to chapter 635 of NRS.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895; A 2023, 1680)

NRS 640B.090 “Practice of athletic training” defined.

1. “Practice of athletic training” means:

(a) The prevention, recognition, assessment, management, treatment, disposition or reconditioning of the athletic injury of an athlete:

(1) Whose condition is within the professional preparation and education of the licensed athletic trainer; and

(2) That is performed under the direction of a physician;

(b) The organization and administration of programs of athletic training;

(d) The provision of information relating to athletic training to members of the public;

(e) The performance of dry needling under the direction of a physician, if an athletic trainer is qualified to do so pursuant to the regulations adopted in accordance with subsection 5 of NRS 640B.260; or

(f) Any combination of the activities described in paragraphs (a) to (e), inclusive.

2. The term does not include the diagnosis of a physical disability, massaging of the superficial soft tissues of the body or the use of X-rays, radium or electricity for cauterization or surgery.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895; A 2019, 1588)

NRS 640B.095 “Prevention” defined. “Prevention” means the application and implementation of physical conditioning programs, preparticipation screening and the monitoring of risk factors that may cause an athletic injury.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895)

NRS 640B.101 “Recognition” defined. “Recognition” means the application of visual, verbal or tactile skills to acknowledge the presence of an injury, illness or other condition with an understanding of the predisposing factors of injury and pathomechanics, which assists in the assessment of the injury, illness or other condition.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895)

NRS 640B.105 “Reconditioning” defined. “Reconditioning” means the application of practical and didactic knowledge and functional criteria to evaluate readiness for return to partial or full activities.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 895)

NRS 640B.111 “Student athletic trainer” defined. “Student athletic trainer” means an undergraduate student who:

1. Is enrolled in an undergraduate program of study approved by the Board; and

2. Engages in the practice of athletic training under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 896)

NRS 640B.115 “Supervision” defined. “Supervision” means clinical on-site direction given by a licensed athletic trainer to a student athletic trainer or graduate student athletic trainer who is in the direct line of sight and within hearing distance of the licensed athletic trainer.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 896)

NRS 640B.120 “Treatment” defined. “Treatment” means the application of the necessary knowledge and skills to assess an injury, illness or other condition and provide appropriate care.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 896)

NRS 640B.145 Applicability of chapter. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:

1. A person who is licensed pursuant to chapters 630 to 637, inclusive, or chapter 640, 640A or 641D of NRS, when acting within the scope of that license.

2. A person who is employed by the Federal Government and engages in the practice of athletic training within the scope of that employment.

3. A person who is temporarily exempt from licensure pursuant to NRS 640B.335 and is practicing athletic training within the scope of the exemption.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 896; A 2017, 3484; 2021, 1600; 2023, 1680)

NRS 640B.155 License is revocable privilege; holder acquires no vested right. A license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter is a revocable privilege, and the holder of the license does not acquire thereby any vested right.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 896)

BOARD OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Organization and Administration

NRS 640B.170 Creation; appointment and qualifications of members; terms, vacancies and removal from office; limitations on civil liability.

1. The Board of Athletic Trainers is hereby created.

2. The Governor shall appoint to the Board:

(a) Three members who:

(1) Are licensed as athletic trainers pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; and

(2) Have engaged in the practice of athletic training or taught or conducted research concerning the practice of athletic training for the 5 years immediately preceding their appointment;

(b) One member who is licensed as a physical therapist pursuant to chapter 640 of NRS and who is also licensed as an athletic trainer pursuant to this chapter; and

3. Each member of the Board:

(a) Must be a resident of this State; and

(b) May not serve more than two consecutive terms.

4. After the initial terms, the members of the Board must be appointed to terms of 3 years.

5. A vacancy on the Board must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

6. The Governor may remove a member of the Board for incompetence, neglect of duty, moral turpitude or malfeasance in office.

7. No member of the Board may be held liable in a civil action for any act he or she performs in good faith in the execution of his or her duties pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 896)

NRS 640B.190 Election of Chair; meetings; quorum.

1. The Board shall:

(a) Elect from its members a Chair at the first meeting of each year; and

(b) Meet at least three times each year at the call of the Chair of the Board, or upon the written request of at least three members of the Board.

2. A majority of the members of the Board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Board.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 897)

NRS 640B.200 Employment of Executive Secretary and other personnel; members of Board not entitled to salary; per diem allowance and travel expenses of members and employees.

1. The Board may employ an Executive Secretary and any other persons necessary to carry out its duties.

2. The members of the Board are not entitled to receive a salary.

3. While engaged in the business of the Board, each member and employee of the Board is entitled to receive a per diem allowance and travel expenses at a rate fixed by the Board. The rate must not exceed the rate provided for officers and employees of this State generally.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 898)

NRS 640B.210 Fiscal year. The Board shall operate on the basis of a fiscal year beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 898)

NRS 640B.220 Payment of expenses; deposit of money; delegation of authority to take disciplinary action; deposit of fines; claim for attorney’s fees and costs of investigation.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, all reasonable expenses incurred by the Board in carrying out the provisions of this chapter must be paid from the money that it receives. No part of the expenses of the Board may be paid from the State General Fund.

2. All money received by the Board must be deposited in a bank or other financial institution in this State and paid out on its order for its expenses.

3. In a manner consistent with the provisions of chapter 622A of NRS, the Board may delegate to a hearing officer or panel its authority to take any disciplinary action pursuant to this chapter, impose and collect fines and penalties related to that disciplinary action and deposit the money from the fines and penalties in a bank or other financial institution in this State.

4. If a hearing officer or panel is not authorized to take disciplinary action pursuant to subsection 3, the Board shall deposit all money collected from the imposition of fines and penalties with the State Treasurer for credit to the State General Fund. If money has been deposited in the State General Fund pursuant to this subsection, the Board may present a claim to the State Board of Examiners for recommendation to the Interim Finance Committee if money is needed to pay attorney’s fees or the costs of an investigation, or both.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 898; A 2005, 784)

General Powers and Duties

NRS 640B.250 Preparation, maintenance and disclosure of certain information regarding applicants and licensees; record of proceedings and transactions; seal; enforcement of chapter.

1. The Board shall prepare and maintain a separate list of:

(a) The licensees.

(b) The applicants for a license.

2. The Board shall, upon request, disclose the information included in each list and may charge a fee for a copy of a list.

3. The Board shall:

(a) Prepare and maintain a record of its proceedings and transactions;

(b) Adopt a seal of which each court in this State shall take judicial notice; and

(Added to NRS by 2003, 897)

NRS 640B.260 Regulations. The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including, without limitation, regulations that establish:

1. The passing grades for the examinations required by NRS 640B.310 and 640B.320.

2. Appropriate criteria for determining whether an entity is an intercollegiate athletic association, interscholastic athletic association, professional athletic organization or amateur athletic organization.

3. The standards of practice for athletic trainers.

4. The requirements for continuing education for the renewal of a license of an athletic trainer. The requirements must be at least equivalent to the requirements for continuing education for the renewal of a certificate of an athletic trainer issued by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification or its successor organization.

5. The qualifications an athletic trainer must obtain before he or she is authorized to perform dry needling, which must include, without limitation, the successful completion of not less than 150 hours of didactic education and training in dry needling approved by the Board. Such hours may include didactic education and training completed as part of a graduate-level program of study.

6. Procedures concerning the handling of needles used to perform dry needling, including, without limitation, procedures for the disposal of a needle after a single use.

7. Procedures to ensure that an athletic trainer does not engage in needle retention.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 897; A 2019, 1588)

NRS 640B.270 Inspection of offices and facilities of persons practicing athletic training. A member of the Board, an employee of the Board or a person designated by the Board may inspect any office or facility where a person is engaged in the practice of athletic training to determine whether each person who is engaged in the practice of athletic training in that office or facility is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 898)

LICENSES

General Provisions

NRS 640B.300 License required to practice athletic training; certain acts prohibited without license; exception for certain student athletic trainers; injunctive relief.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, unless he or she has been issued a license as an athletic trainer by the Board pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, a person shall not:

(a) Engage in the practice of athletic training;

(b) Hold himself or herself out as licensed or qualified to engage in the practice of athletic training; or

(c) Use in connection with his or her name any title, words, letters or other designation intended to imply or designate him or her as a licensed athletic trainer.

2. A student athletic trainer or graduate student athletic trainer may engage in the practice of athletic training while under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer.

3. If the Board determines that a person has engaged, or is about to engage, in any act or practice that constitutes, or will constitute, a violation of the provisions of this section, the Board may make an application to an appropriate court for an order enjoining that act or practice, and upon a showing by the Board that the person has engaged, or is about to engage, in that act or practice, the court shall issue an injunction against that act or practice. Such an injunction does not prevent a criminal prosecution for that act or practice.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 898)

NRS 640B.310 Requirements for license: Qualifications; application; fingerprints; fees; examination; exception; reapplication after failure to pass examination.

1. An applicant for a license as an athletic trainer must:

(a) Be of good moral character;

(b) Have at least a bachelor’s degree in a program of study approved by the Board;

(d) Submit a complete set of fingerprints and written permission authorizing the Board to forward the fingerprints to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report;

(e) Pay the fees prescribed by the Board pursuant to NRS 640B.410, which are not refundable; and

(f) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 and NRS 640B.320, pass the examination prepared by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification or its successor organization.

2. An applicant who submits proof of current certification as an athletic trainer by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification, or its successor organization, is not required to pass the examination required by paragraph (f) of subsection 1.

3. An applicant who fails the examination may not reapply for a license for at least 1 year after the date on which the applicant submitted the application to the Board.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 899; A 2005, 228; 2019, 4300)

NRS 640B.320 Preparation of examinations; prohibition against participating in preparing or grading examination.

1. If the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification, or its successor organization, if any, ceases to exist or ceases to prepare the examination required by NRS 640B.310, the Board shall designate another appropriate national organization to prepare the test. If the Board determines that no such organization exists, the Board shall prepare or cause to be prepared a test which must be offered not less than two times each year.

2. The member of the Board who is a representative of the public shall not participate in preparing or grading any examination required by the Board.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 899)

NRS 640B.330 Issuance of license to persons licensed in other jurisdictions.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the Board shall issue a license as an athletic trainer, without examination, to an applicant who is licensed to engage in the practice of athletic training in another state, territory or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia if the applicant submits to the Board:

(a) An application on a form prescribed by the Board; and

(b) The fees prescribed by the Board pursuant to NRS 640B.410.

2. The Board shall not issue a license pursuant to this section unless the jurisdiction in which the applicant is licensed had requirements at the time the license was issued that the Board determines are substantially equivalent to the requirements for a license as an athletic trainer set forth in this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 900)

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, if an athletic trainer who holds a valid and unrestricted license to practice athletic training in another state or territory of the United States or another country has entered into a written or oral agreement to provide services to members of a visiting athletic team or organization, the athletic trainer is temporarily exempt from licensure and may practice athletic training in this State while providing services pursuant to the agreement to members of the visiting athletic team or organization who are present in this State for the purpose of engaging in competition or training.

2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, if an athletic trainer who holds a valid and unrestricted license to practice athletic training in another state or territory of the United States or another country has been invited by the governing body of a national organization to provide services to persons participating in an athletic event or training sanctioned or operated by the organization, the athletic trainer is temporarily exempt from licensure and may practice athletic training in this State while providing services to such persons.

3. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and subsection 4, an exemption described in this section is valid for a period of not more than 10 days for each competition or training session. Upon the application of an athletic trainer, the Board may grant an exemption of not more than 20 additional days for each competition or training session.

4. An athletic trainer who is practicing athletic training under an exemption described in this section shall not:

(a) Practice athletic training at a medical facility;

(b) Provide services to persons who are not described in subsection 1 or 2, as applicable; or

5. The provisions of this section do not apply to any contest or exhibition of unarmed combat conducted pursuant to chapter 467 of NRS.

6. As used in this section, “visiting athletic team or organization” means an athletic team or organization which is primarily based at a location outside of this State.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 3484)

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter:

(a) An applicant for the issuance of a license to engage in the practice of athletic training shall include the social security number of the applicant in the application submitted to the Board.

(b) An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license to engage in the practice of athletic training shall submit to the Board the statement prescribed by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

2. The Board shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of the license; or

(b) A separate form prescribed by the Board.

3. A license to engage in the practice of athletic training may not be issued or renewed by the Board if the applicant:

(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

(b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order.

4. If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order, the Board shall advise the applicant to contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to satisfy the arrearage.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 899; A 2005, 2755, 2814)

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter, an applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license to engage in the practice of athletic training shall submit to the Board the statement prescribed by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

2. The Board shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of the license; or

(b) A separate form prescribed by the Board.

3. A license to engage in the practice of athletic training may not be issued or renewed by the Board if the applicant:

(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

(Added to NRS by 2003, 899; A 2005, 2755, 2814, effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings)

NRS 640B.350 Display of license. Each person licensed to practice as an athletic trainer shall display his or her license conspicuously at each place where the person engages in the practice of athletic training.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 900)

Scope of Practice

NRS 640B.370 Educational requirements to conduct evaluation of athletic injury or perform joint mobilization or to perform passive range of motion or passive joint range of motion.

1. A person who is licensed as an athletic trainer shall not conduct an evaluation of an athletic injury or perform joint mobilization unless the person has earned at least a master’s degree in athletic training or a comparable area of study, as determined by the Board.

2. A person who is licensed as an athletic trainer and has not earned a master’s degree in athletic training or a comparable area of study, as determined by the Board, may perform passive range of motion or passive joint range of motion.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 901)

Expiration, Renewal and Restoration; Fees

NRS 640B.400 Expiration; procedure for renewal or restoration.

1. Each license to engage in the practice of athletic training expires on June 30 of each year and may be renewed if, before the license expires, the licensee submits to the Board:

(a) An application on a form prescribed by the Board;

(b) Proof of completion of the requirements for continuing education prescribed by the Board pursuant to NRS 640B.260; and

2. A license that expires pursuant to the provisions of this section may be restored if the applicant:

(a) Complies with the provisions of subsection 1;

(b) Submits to the Board proof of his or her ability to engage in the practice of athletic training; and

(1) The fee for the restoration of an expired license; and

(2) For each year that the license was expired, the fee for the renewal of a license prescribed by the Board pursuant to NRS 640B.410.

3. If the Board determines that an applicant has not submitted satisfactory proof of his or her ability to engage in the practice of athletic training, the Board may require the applicant to:

(a) Pass an examination prescribed by the Board; and

(b) Engage in the practice of athletic training under the supervision of a person designated by the Board for a period prescribed by the Board.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 901)

1. The Board may:

(a) Make the data request developed by the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to NRS 439A.116 available to applicants for the renewal of a license pursuant to this chapter through a link on the electronic application for the renewal of a license; and

(b) Request each applicant to complete and electronically submit the data request to the Director.

2. The information provided by an applicant for the renewal of a license pursuant to subsection 1 is confidential and, except as required by subsection 1, must not be disclosed to any person or entity.

3. An applicant for the renewal of a license is not required to complete a data request pursuant to subsection 1 and is not subject to disciplinary action, including, without limitation, refusal to renew the license, for failure to do so.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 806)

NRS 640B.410 Fees; regulations. The Board shall, by regulation, prescribe the following fees which must not exceed:

Application for a license..................................................................................... $250

Examination for a license...................................................................................... 350

Application for a license without examination.................................................. 350

Annual renewal of a license.................................................................................. 350

Restoration of an expired license......................................................................... 350

Issuance of a duplicate license............................................................................... 50

(Added to NRS by 2003, 901)

DISCIPLINARY AND OTHER ACTIONS

NRS 640B.700 Grounds; authorized disciplinary or other action; private reprimands prohibited; orders imposing discipline deemed public records.

1. The Board may refuse to issue a license to an applicant or may take disciplinary action against a licensee if, after notice and a hearing as required by law, the Board determines that the applicant or licensee:

(a) Has submitted false or misleading information to the Board or any agency of this State, any other state, the Federal Government or the District of Columbia;

(b) Has violated any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto;

(d) Has an alcohol or other substance use disorder;

(e) Has violated the provisions of NRS 200.5093, 432B.220 or 432C.110;

(f) Is guilty of gross negligence in his or her practice as an athletic trainer;

(g) Is not competent to engage in the practice of athletic training;

(h) Has failed to provide information requested by the Board within 60 days after receiving the request;

(i) Has engaged in unethical or unprofessional conduct as it relates to the practice of athletic training;

(j) Has been disciplined in another state, a territory or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia for conduct that would be a violation of the provisions of this chapter or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto if the conduct were committed in this State;

(k) Has solicited or received compensation for services that he or she did not provide;

(l) If the licensee is on probation, has violated the terms of the probation;

(m) Has terminated professional services to a client in a manner that detrimentally affected that client;

(n) Has performed or supervised the performance of a pelvic examination in violation of NRS 629.085; or

(o) Has operated a medical facility, as defined in NRS 449.0151, at any time during which:

(1) The license of the facility was suspended or revoked; or

(2) An act or omission occurred which resulted in the suspension or revocation of the license pursuant to NRS 449.160.

Ê This paragraph applies to an owner or other principal responsible for the operation of the facility.

2. The Board may, if it determines that an applicant for a license or a licensee has committed any of the acts set forth in subsection 1, after notice and a hearing as required by law:

(a) Refuse to issue a license to the applicant;

(b) Refuse to renew or restore the license of the licensee;

(d) Place the licensee on probation;

(e) Impose an administrative fine of not more than $5,000;

(f) Require the applicant or licensee to pay the costs incurred by the Board to conduct the investigation and hearing; or

(g) Impose any combination of actions set forth in paragraphs (a) to (f), inclusive.

3. The Board shall not issue a private reprimand to a licensee.

4. An order that imposes discipline and the findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting that order are public records.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 901; A 2005, 785, 1118; 2009, 898; 2019, 1939, 3498; 2021, 1582)

1. If the Board receives a copy of a court order issued pursuant to NRS 425.540 that provides for the suspension of all professional, occupational and recreational licenses, certificates and permits issued to a licensee, the Board shall deem the license to be suspended at the end of the 30th day after the date the court order was issued unless the Board receives a letter issued to the licensee by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 stating that the licensee has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560.

2. The Board shall reinstate a license that has been suspended by a district court pursuant to NRS 425.540 if the Board receives a letter issued by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 to the licensee stating that the licensee has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 900; A 2005, 2814)

NRS 640B.720 Investigations and hearings; oaths and examination of witnesses; payment of fees and mileage; subpoenas.

1. In a manner consistent with the provisions of chapter 622A of NRS, the Board may conduct investigations and hold hearings to carry out its duties pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

2. In such a hearing:

(a) Any member of the Board may administer oaths and examine witnesses; and

(b) The Board or any member thereof may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers.

3. Each witness who is subpoenaed to appear before the Board is entitled to receive for his or her attendance the same fees and mileage allowed by law to a witness in a civil case. The amount must be paid by the party who requested the subpoena. If any witness who has not been required to attend at the request of any party is subpoenaed by the Board, his or her fees and mileage must be paid from the money of the Board.

4. If any person fails to comply with the subpoena within 10 days after it is issued, the Chair of the Board may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for an order of the court compelling compliance with the subpoena.

5. Upon such a petition, the court shall enter an order directing the person subpoenaed to appear before the court at a time and place to be fixed by the court in its order, the time to be not more than 10 days after the date of the order, and to show cause why the person has not complied with the subpoena. A certified copy of the order must be served upon the person subpoenaed.

6. If it appears to the court that the subpoena was regularly issued by the Board, the court shall enter an order compelling compliance with the subpoena. The failure of the person to obey the order is a contempt of the court that issued the order.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 902; A 2005, 786)

NRS 640B.730 Confidentiality of certain records of Board; exceptions; retention of complaints.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section and NRS 239.0115, a complaint filed with the Board, all documents and other information filed with the complaint and all documents and other information compiled as a result of an investigation conducted to determine whether to initiate disciplinary action against a person are confidential, unless the person submits a written statement to the Board requesting that such documents and information be made public records.

2. The charging documents filed with the Board to initiate disciplinary action pursuant to chapter 622A of NRS and all documents and information considered by the Board when determining whether to impose discipline are public records.

3. The provisions of this section do not prohibit the Board from communicating or cooperating with or providing any documents or other information to any other licensing board or any other agency that is investigating a person, including, without limitation, a law enforcement agency.

4. The Board shall retain all complaints filed with the Board for at least 10 years, including, without limitation, any complaints not acted upon.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 903; A 2005, 786; 2007, 2142; 2009, 899)

PROHIBITED ACTS; PENALTIES; ENFORCEMENT

NRS 640B.890 Limitation on insertion of same needle during dry needling. An athletic trainer who is qualified to perform dry needling pursuant to the regulations adopted in accordance with subsection 5 of NRS 640B.260 shall not insert the same needle more than one time during the performance of dry needling.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 1587)

NRS 640B.900 Penalties; report by Board to district attorney for prosecution.

1. A person who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 for each offense.

2. If the Board has reason to believe that a person has violated a provision of this chapter or a regulation adopted pursuant thereto, the Board shall report the facts to the district attorney of the county where the violation occurred, who may cause appropriate criminal proceedings to be brought against that person.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 903)