An Examination of Concussion Legislation in the United States

Authors

Kelly L. Potteiger, Northern Illinois UniversityFollow
Adam J. Potteiger, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoFollow
William PitneyFollow
Paul M. Wright, Northern Illinois UniversityFollow

Abstract

There is legislation in the United States designed to protect children and adolescents from the risks associated with concussion. The scope and reach of these laws vary greatly.

Purpose: It is important that health care professionals are aware of the limitations of each law. Since 2009, every state in the nation and the District of Columbia passed legislation designed to protect student-athletes who suffer from concussions resulting from participation in sport.

Method: Therefore, select components of state policies were identified including: 1) Affected entities, 2) Stipulations for concussion awareness/education, 3) Requirements for removal/return to play, and 4) Requirements for return to the classroom.

Results: There is significant variance between the laws and not all children/adolescents are protected equally.

Conclusion: Concussion policies are a minimum standard and, when available, best practices should be followed.

Author Bio(s)

Kelly L Potteiger, Ph.D., ATC is an Associate Professor and Atheltic Training Program Director at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.

Adam J. Potteiger, MS, ATC is a Senior Athletic Trainer at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago in Chicago, IL.

Wiliam A. Pitney, Ed.D., ATC, FNATA is the Associate Dean of Research, Resources, and Innovation for the College of Education at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.

Paul M. Wright, Ph.D. is a Professor at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2018.1712

Recommended Citation

Potteiger KL, Potteiger AJ, Pitney W, Wright PM. An Examination of Concussion Legislation in the United States. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2018 Jan 01;16(2), Article 6.