HB 116 – Student Safety in Athletics
Primary Sponsors: Rep. Harry Warren (R – Rowan), Rep. Greg Murphy (R – Pitt), Rep. Donny Lambeth (R – Forsyth), Rep. David Rogers (R – Burke)
If passed, this bill would require the State Board of Education and the local Boards of Education to educate all students and parents on sudden cardiac arrest, heat exhaustion and concussions. Additionally, it would require all athletic coaches to be CPR-certified. The bill also requires schools to maintain accurate records of head injuries. The State Board of Education would create a database to be maintained by the Department of Public Instruction to keep track of student athlete injuries and illnesses.
A number of physician groups have voiced support for the overall intent of this bill. One note of concern has been raised about proposed language allowing parents of student athletes to approve their child to return to play after an injury without a medical clearance. This is being addressed with the sponsors of the legislation.
On the surface this bill seems like a good thing but it clearly reflects an ignorance of rules and regulations that are already in place.
The sponsors and the society need to speak with and learn about current practices as mandated by the NC High School Athletic Association
Empowering parents to override medical recommendations is a disaster waiting to happen.
Thank you for your comment, Dr. Taft. The NCMS lobbying team in partnership with other physician lobbyists have been in touch with the bill sponsors. We were part of the previous legislation that passed as well. We have already heard from at least one primary sponsor that the parent provisions will be reexamined. Each sponsor’s name above is also hot-linked to their contact information if you would like to contact them as well.
Great article on this bill in the Winston-Salem Journal today http://bit.ly/2mEFTIq