Texas House Bill HB4650

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to physical examination requirements for participation in extracurricular athletic activities.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4650 is expected to have a significant impact on regulations concerning student health and participation in sports. By formalizing the requirement for physical exams, the bill seeks to create a standard practice across school districts in Texas, which will apply to all students participating in athletics under the oversight of the University Interscholastic League. This could lead to increased accountability for both students and educational institutions in maintaining health standards for youth athletes.

Summary

House Bill 4650 aims to establish formal requirements for physical examinations for students participating in extracurricular athletic activities. Specifically, this bill mandates that before any student can engage in such activities, they must provide evidence of a completed physical examination conducted by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse. The intent behind this legislation is to ensure the health and safety of students by preemptively identifying any medical conditions that could pose risks during athletic participation.

Contention

Although the text of the bill itself does not outline specific points of contention, the requirement for physical examinations could spark discussions concerning access to healthcare for students. Critics may raise concerns regarding the implications this could have on students from underprivileged backgrounds who may have difficulty obtaining medical appointments or the necessary forms. Additionally, there may be debates about the adequacy of physical examinations performed by various healthcare providers, as well as the acceptable parameters for declaring a student fit to participate in athletic activities.