Does the Joint Statement mean that APTA may never use the words “unqualified” or “non-qualified” to describe athletic trainers?
No. The Joint Statement says only that APTA will not make false or misleading statements using those adjectives to refer to athletic trainers. In advocating for its members and the public APTA will continue to make truthful statements, e.g., “Athletic trainers are not qualified under Medicare to provide outpatient physical therapy services.” In addition, APTA will continue to express its opinions about the qualifications of athletic trainers.
