Stakeholders Find Acceptable Language for HB 143

The OOA participated in an interested party meeting, October 10, led by Sens. Scott Oelslager (R-Canton) and Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) to discuss HB 143 (Youth Sports Injuries).

Although the focus of the legislation is on educating coaches, parents and students about concussions, the bill also protects interscholastic athletes from returning to play if there is concern about a possible head injury.  Click here for an analysis of the bill as passed by the House of Representatives:

http://www.lsc.state.oh.us/analyses129/h0143-ph-129.pdf

The legislation passed the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously before the legislature adjourned this summer but caused concern in the physician community when language was not included in the final version to require consultation, referral or collaboration with a physician when decisions are being made.Since volunteer physicians are not available for every game played in Ohio, state law recognizes a wide range of health care professionals who can serve as medical advisors for high school and junior high sports.  

Stakeholders appear to have reached consensus on including appropriate physician language in the bill so the legislation can be passed in the December “lame-duck” session. OOA Board Member Jennifer J. Hauler, DO, of Dayton, participated in the discussions along with Jason P. Dapore, DO, of Columbus, who is the physician member of the Athletic Trainers Section of the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board.