NATA-BOC Healthcare Admin and Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

An athletic trainer at a public high school is approached by a local newspaper reporter who asks for specific details about the starting quarterback's knee injury. Which of the following laws primarily dictates how the athletic trainer should respond?

Accepted Answer

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Answer

In a public school setting, a student-athlete's health records maintained by the school are considered 'education records.' Therefore, they are protected by FERPA. HIPAA generally applies to healthcare providers who conduct certain electronic transactions, but FERPA is the primary governing law for records held by the school itself. [13, 22] The athletic trainer cannot release specific health information to the media without explicit parental/student consent.

Question 2

An athletic trainer fails to inspect the playing field for hazards before practice. During the practice, an athlete steps in a large hole and sustains a severe ankle fracture. This failure to perform a required duty is a type of negligence known as:

Accepted Answer

Nonfeasance

Answer

Nonfeasance is an act of omission, where an individual fails to perform a legal duty. [21, 23] In this case, the athletic trainer had a duty to ensure a safe playing environment and failed to do so. Malfeasance is committing an act that is not legally theirs to perform. Misfeasance is performing a legal duty improperly. [26] Comparative negligence relates to assigning fault between multiple parties.

Question 3

Which of the following is the MOST compelling reason for an athletic trainer to maintain thorough, accurate, and timely medical documentation?

Accepted Answer

To ensure continuity of care and provide legal protection. [2]

Answer

While documentation can support equipment requests or provide data, its primary purposes in healthcare are to ensure continuity of care by communicating with other providers and to serve as a legal record of the care provided, which protects both the patient and the practitioner. [6, 9, 10]

Question 4

An athletic trainer is offered a bonus payment from a specific orthopedic clinic for every athlete they refer to that clinic. According to the NATA Code of Ethics, this arrangement constitutes which type of ethical violation?

Accepted Answer

Conflict of interest

Answer

This situation creates a conflict of interest, as the athletic trainer's judgment on where to refer a patient may be influenced by financial gain rather than the patient's best interest. Principle 4 of the NATA Code of Ethics explicitly states that members shall not place financial gain above the patient's welfare or engage in conduct that could be construed as a conflict of interest. [1, 3, 4, 7, 11]

Question 5

A 17-year-old athlete arrives for their pre-participation physical with a consent-to-treat form signed by their parent. During a game, the athlete sustains a fractured tibia requiring immediate transport to the hospital. In this emergency situation, what legal principle allows the athletic trainer to provide immediate care and arrange for transport?

Accepted Answer

Implied Consent

Answer

While the signed form provides express consent for the season, in a true emergency where the athlete is unable to make a decision and a parent is not present, the law operates under the principle of implied consent. It assumes that a reasonable person (or parent) would consent to life- or limb-saving treatment if they were able. The Good Samaritan Law protects bystanders, not professionals with a duty to act. Sovereign immunity protects government employees, and the statute of limitations is the time frame for filing a lawsuit.

NATA-BOC Test Practice Test

NATA-BOC Test Practice Test

NATA-BOC Healthcare Admin and Ethics Questions and Answers