Friday, December 7, 2012

State Senate Turns down Bill to Require Cognitive Clearance after Sports Incurred Brain Injury

In a recent legislative session, a bill that would require a cognitive clearance following a brain injury from sports reportedly failed to pass the Texas State Senate.

As reported, while the bill that would require helmet replacement and reconditioning among high school football players was approved, the bill drafted by Texas’ Democratic Representative, Eddie Lucio III, that would require cognitive clearance test following a sports incurred concussion failed to pass the state Senate.

Apparently, Lucio believes that by attracting more supporters for the mandatory tests, the same would finally pass in the next legislation session that will be held next year. In fact, the bill has already drawn support from football coaches and trainers within the Brownsville area. In addition, several associations of educators and medical professionals have likewise expressed their support for the cognitive tests.

Moreover, all coaches in Texas are said to have been mandated to have concussion training, which makes them quite aware of the severity of the situation. Also, the University Interscholastic League has approved a new rule that prevents high school athletes from practicing or returning to game the same day they suffered a concussion. Additionally, local and school districts were in fact, required to implement their own concussion injury protocols a couple of year ago.

Remarkably, the main spotlight of the bill focuses on the young athletes, since medical professionals affirm that multiple head injuries could be more dangerous for teens and pre-teens whose brains are currently developing.

Meanwhile, several opponents argue about the potential costs per test and the kind of sports that would be involved in the legislation.

Apparently, although it might cost a little, it would be beneficial in preventing serious life-long devastation caused by head injuries to young athletes. Meanwhile, several personal injury lawyers are pretty interested with the future of the said bill, knowing it could be landmark legislation if approved eventually.