Bill > H928

This bill modifies existing North Carolina law regarding concussion protocols for student athletes by adding physical therapists (PTs) to the list of qualified professionals who can evaluate and provide written clearance for a student to return to play after exhibiting signs of a concussion. Currently, the law allows certain medical professionals like physicians, physician assistants, and athletic trainers to clear a student athlete, and this bill expands that list to include licensed physical therapists who are regulated under Article 18E of Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes. The key provision ensures that if a student participating in an interscholastic athletic activity shows symptoms consistent with a concussion, they must be immediately removed from play and cannot return until evaluated and cleared in writing by an approved professional, which now includes physical therapists. This change aims to provide schools and athletic programs with more flexibility in managing potential head injuries and ensuring student athlete safety by allowing another qualified healthcare professional to assess and clear students for return to play.

Education, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H928