Relating to prevention, treatment, and oversight of concussions affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.
Impact
By implementing this law, Texas is taking steps to improve student health, specifically in interscholastic sports, where concussions are a significant concern. The bill requires educational measures to be put in place, including the provision of annual forms that students and parents must sign before participating, asserting that they have received information about concussions. Additionally, coaches, athletic trainers, and healthcare professionals are mandated to undergo training on concussion management, which aligns with contemporary medical guidance on head injuries.
Summary
House Bill 2038, referred to as Natasha's Law, is aimed at enhancing the prevention, treatment, and oversight of concussions among public school students participating in interscholastic athletics. The bill mandates the formation of a concussion oversight team in each school district or open-enrollment charter school. This oversight team, composed of licensed healthcare professionals, will be responsible for ensuring the health and safety of student athletes by establishing protocols for evaluation and treatment of concussions, as well as managing the return-to-play process after such injuries.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its focus on student athlete safety, some concerns have emerged regarding the implementation and continuous oversight. For instance, skepticism exists regarding whether schools have the adequate resources and trained personnel to form effective concussion oversight teams. Furthermore, the necessity of requiring parental consent and regular training for coaches and trainers, while beneficial, has raised questions about potential logistical challenges for schools, particularly smaller districts that may struggle with compliance.
Identical
Relating to prevention, treatment, and management of concussions affecting public and private school students participating in interscholastic athletics.
Relating to prevention of and safety requirements regarding sudden cardiac arrest affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.
Relating to the membership of a public school concussion oversight team and the removal of a public school student from an interscholastic athletic activity on the basis of a suspected concussion.
Relating to the compensation and professional representation of certain students participating in University Interscholastic League activities or in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education.
Relating to the compensation and professional representation of certain students participating in University Interscholastic League activities or in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors and medication designated for treatment of respiratory distress on public and private school campuses.
Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.
Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.
Updates repealed chapter by requiring school district to develop concussion guidelines; students/parents brochure; removal/return procedures after student removal/return to practice/competition; mandatory training for coaches/officials.
Relating to the membership and training course requirements of a public school concussion oversight team and the removal of a public school student from an interscholastic athletic activity on the basis of a suspected concussion.