A coach has requested information about the status of an athlete's injury. What should the athletic trainer do with such a request?

In situations where a coach requests information about an athlete's injury, the appropriate course of action is to obtain written authorization from the athlete before disclosing any details. This is essential because the athlete's medical information is protected under privacy laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States. Only with the athlete's explicit consent can the athletic trainer share information regarding the injury with the coach or anyone else.

This approach ensures that the athlete's rights to confidentiality and discretion regarding their health are maintained. It also fosters trust between the athlete and the medical staff, as the athlete needs to feel secure that their personal medical information will be handled sensitively and respectfully.