Ohio bill would allow chiropractors to clear student athletes with concussions

A bill passed last week by the Ohio General Assembly gives chiropractors and other health professionals the approval to independently assess and clear student athletes who suffer concussions, starting as early as next fall (Source: “Chiropractors, other health professionals could clear student athletes under Ohio youth concussion law,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 6, 2014).

Ohio's 2012 “return to play” law requires students who show signs of a concussion or head injury to be removed from practice or competition until cleared by a physician. The law specifies only medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy and health professionals, including chiropractors working with those physicians, can assess athletes’ injuries and clear them to return to play.

The language granting chiropractors independent authority was inserted into a large education bill that Gov. Kasich is expected to sign.

"The concerns we had a year ago have been addressed, with strict new standards being developed by experts in this area for all medical licensing boards to apply to their respective health care professionals," Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols said.