Standing Orders for Athletic Trainers on Go4

Standing Orders, sometimes referred to as Medical Protocols or Delegated Authority Agreements, establish the medical services and procedures an Athletic Trainer is authorized to perform under the direction or supervision of a physician or other qualified medical professional as permitted by state law.

In many states, Athletic Trainers practice under physician direction, collaboration, or supervision, and standing orders help define the scope of care that can legally be provided. Requirements vary significantly from state to state.

Standing Orders Define Your Scope of Practice
Standing orders help establish what services and procedures you are authorized to perform while practicing as an Athletic Trainer in accordance with your state's laws and regulations.

Why Are Standing Orders Important?

Standing orders help:

Define your scope of practice.
Clarify physician oversight or collaboration requirements.
Protect patients and providers.
Ensure compliance with state practice acts.
Provide guidance during emergency situations.

For example, if a state practice act prohibits an Athletic Trainer from performing a specific procedure, that procedure cannot be included within standing orders regardless of physician preference.

Does Go4 Require Standing Orders?

Go4 does not universally require Athletic Trainers to upload standing orders as part of credential verification.

However, Athletic Trainers are responsible for understanding and complying with their individual state's athletic training practice act and any physician supervision, collaboration, or standing order requirements that may apply to them.

Know Your State Requirements
Athletic training regulations vary considerably across the United States. It is the responsibility of each Athletic Trainer to understand the requirements of the state in which they are practicing.

Who Can Issue Standing Orders?

Depending on your state's regulations, standing orders may be issued by:

Physicians
Team physicians
Supervising physicians
Medical directors
Other qualified healthcare professionals permitted under state law

Some states allow additional provider types such as dentists, podiatrists, or advanced practice providers to participate in physician delegation models. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

How Do I Obtain Standing Orders?

If you currently work full-time under physician oversight, your supervising physician may be a good place to start.

Other options include:

Local orthopedic clinics
Sports medicine physicians
Team physicians
Former employers
University athletic departments
Professional connections within your local athletic training community

New graduates and Athletic Trainers who recently relocated often find professional networking to be one of the most effective ways to identify physicians willing to provide standing orders.

Do My Employer's Standing Orders Cover Go4 Work?

Generally, no.

Standing orders issued through your employer may only apply to services provided while acting within your role for that organization.

If you perform per diem work, outreach coverage, or independent contractor work outside of your primary employer, additional standing orders or delegated authority may be necessary depending on your state's requirements and the language of the agreement.

Employer Coverage Doesn't Generally Follow You
If you're working outside of your primary employment setting, confirm that your standing orders and physician oversight arrangements extend to those activities.

Does Go4 Provide Standing Orders?

No. Go4 does not issue, provide, or manage standing orders for Athletic Trainers.

Each Athletic Trainer is responsible for ensuring they are operating under the appropriate physician oversight, collaboration agreement, or standing orders required by their state practice act.

FAQs

What are standing orders?
Standing orders are physician-approved medical protocols or delegated authority agreements that define the services and procedures an Athletic Trainer is authorized to perform within their state's scope of practice.

Are standing orders the same thing as medical protocols?
Generally, yes.

The terminology varies by state and organization, but standing orders, medical protocols, physician delegation agreements, and delegated authority agreements often serve similar purposes.

Does every state require standing orders?
No. Requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require physician supervision or standing orders, while others use collaborative practice or different regulatory structures. Athletic Trainers should review their individual state's practice act requirements.

Does Go4 verify standing orders?
No. Go4 verifies three core credentials:

Board of Certification (BOC)
Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)
State License (where required)

Standing orders remain the responsibility of the individual Athletic Trainer.

Can Go4 provide me with standing orders?
No. Go4 does not issue or facilitate standing orders for Athletic Trainers.

I already have standing orders through my employer. Can I use them for Go4 shifts?
Maybe. Some employer-issued standing orders may only apply while acting on behalf of that organization. Review your agreement carefully and consult with your supervising physician if you intend to perform work outside of your primary employment setting.

Who should I contact if I have questions about standing orders in my state?
Your state athletic training association, state licensing board, or supervising physician are often the best resources for understanding your state's requirements and practice limitations.

What happens if I practice without required standing orders?
Practicing outside of your state's requirements may expose you to licensing, liability, and professional risks.

Athletic Trainers are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable state laws and regulations governing athletic training practice.