CARE FOR YOUTH ATHLETES WITH BRAIN INJURIES

SB 386 updates New Mexico's youth sports brain injury protocols by adding chiropractic physicians to the list of "licensed health care professionals" who can provide written medical releases allowing athletes to return to play after a suspected brain injury. The bill directly affects youth athletes in school sports, coaches, school districts, and athletic organizations by expanding who can legally authorize an athlete's return to activity following a brain injury. Key mechanisms include amending existing definitions (Section 1) to include chiropractors under the medical release requirement and maintaining current protocols for recognizing symptoms, mandatory training, and parental consent forms. This change does not alter the core safety requirements - such as the 24-hour waiting period, symptom monitoring, or annual training - but broadens the pool of qualified medical professionals. The bill is pending in committee after being postponed indefinitely in June 2025.