§ 40:1089.1 — Legislative intent

Louisiana § 40:1089.1

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 40: Public Health and Safety

Text

§1089.1. Legislative intent
A. Concussions are one of the most commonly reported injuries in children and
adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention estimate that as many as three million nine hundred thousand sports-related and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. A
concussion is caused by a blow or motion to the head or body that causes the brain to move
rapidly inside the skull. The risk for long-term, chronic cognitive, physical, and emotional
symptoms associated with the development of post-concussion syndrome and chronic
traumatic encephalopathy, as well as the risk for catastrophic injuries or even death, is
significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly recognized, evaluated, and
managed.
B. Continuing to play with a concussion or symptoms of head injury leaves the
young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury and even death. The Legislature of
Louisiana recognizes that, despite having generally recognized return-to-play standards for
concussions and head injury, some affected youth athletes are prematurely returned to play
resulting in actual or potential physical injury or death to youth athletes in the state of
Louisiana.
C. The Legislature of Louisiana further recognizes that it is in the best interest of the
state to create a uniform education, training, and return-to-play protocol to be followed
throughout the state.

Legislative History

Acts 2011, No. 314, §1, eff. June 28, 2011; Redesignated from R.S. 40:1299.181 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S.