ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Amends the Illinois Athletic Trainers Practice Act. Changes the definition of "licensed athletic trainer" to someone who, upon the direction of, on the prescription of, or in collaboration with a physician, provides therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions incurred by individuals as prescribed by the Board of Athletic Trainers and for which the athletic trainer has received appropriate education and training. Replaces specific duties of an athletic trainer with language allowing him or her to utilize emergency care and physical medicine and rehabilitation techniques as related to prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, rehabilitation, and reconditioning. Defines "referral" to mean the guidance and direction given by the physician, who shall maintain supervision of the individual (rather than the athlete). Defines "physician" as a physician licensed under the Medical Practice Act to practice medicine in all of its branches or a chiropractic physician. Removes specific titles and letters an individual can only use when licensed as an athletic trainer under the Act. Provides that abandonment of an individual (rather than an athlete) is grounds for discipline.