No. School athletes at the high school, middle school, or junior high level must be cleared for return to play by a physician (MD or DO).
A school athlete at the high school, middle school, or junior high level must be removed from practice or play when the athlete suffers, or is suspected of having suffered, a concussion or head injury. A health care provider must then evaluate the athlete and provide written clearance before the athlete may return to play or practice. The School Sports Head Injury Prevention Act, K.S.A. 72-135, defines “health care provider” as a person licensed by the state board of healing arts to practice medicine and surgery. Since an athletic trainer is not licensed to practice medicine and surgery, they are not a health care provider as defined in the Act. Therefore, they are not a health care provider authorized to evaluate or provide clearance to a school athlete who has been removed from practice or play due to a suspected head injury.