Thanks in part to TMA physicians' advocacy, Texas law now ensures that the state's young athletes participate under safer guidelines for all.
House Bill 2038, which passed during the 2011 legislative session, outlines return-to-play guidelines for athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion. The law requires school districts to establish concussion management teams that include a physician.
TMA physicians advocated for HB 2038, which also emphasizes education for students and parents on concussion prevention, symptoms, and treatment, as well as training for concussion management team members. TMA also is involved in a stakeholder group to revise the concussion management guide for schools.
Physicians who want more information on concussion management guidelines and requirements for school districts may go to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) website, which provides:
- An overview of HB 2038,
- A guide on implementing required concussion management,
- The UIL concussion management protocol, and
- Return-to-play forms.
The September issue of Texas Medicine includes more information on the new law.
Action, Sept. 16, 2011
Last Updated On
June 20, 2016
Originally Published On
August 30, 2011