(a) An athletic trainer may practice athletic training only under the direction of a person licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy under AS 08.64. In this subsection, “direction” means the physician authorizes a procedure by a verbal order if the physician is present or by written order, telecommunication, or athletic training treatment plans, protocols, or standing orders established by the physician if the physician is not present.

(b) An athletic trainer shall immediately refer an athlete to an appropriate licensed health care professional if the athletic trainer determines that athletic training is contraindicated or the symptoms or conditions present require treatment outside the scope of practice of an athletic trainer.

(c) The practice of an athletic trainer includes

(1) the treatment of an athlete for an athletic injury or illness prevention;

(2) the clinical evaluation and assessment of an athlete for an athletic injury or illness sustained or exacerbated while participating in an athletic or sport-related exercise or activity;

(3) the immediate care and treatment of an athlete for an athletic injury or illness sustained or exacerbated while participating in an athletic or sport-related exercise or activity; and

(4) the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an athlete from an athletic injury or illness sustained or exacerbated while participating in an athletic or sport-related exercise or activity.

(d) In this section, “health care professional” has the meaning given to “health care provider” in AS 09.65.300.