Concussions in Youth Athletes - Texas

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Texas

Governor Perry signed HB 2038 into law on June, 17, 2011. This law can be found at sections 38.151 through 38.160 of the Texas Code. (Tex. Educ. Code Ann. §§ 38.151 through 38.160).

These sections are applicable to interscholastic activity and require that school districts: appoint concussion oversight teams to establish return-to-play protocols; require that students may not participate in an activity during a school year until their parent/guardian signs and returns a form acknowledging receipt of concussion information; and requires a student be immediately removed from the activity if they are suspected of sustaining a concussion. The student may not return to play until evaluated by a medical professional, has completed return-to-play protocols, has written clearance from the medical provider and the parent has signed a consent form allowing them to return to play. A coach may not authorize a student’s return to play. Coaches are also required to get concussion training once every two years.

Sections 38.151 through 38.160 are available on online at:

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.38.htm#38.151

At the present time there is no legislation pending to amend or repeal the statute in its present form.