Starting Friday, Physical Therapists are Allowed to Return Youth Athletes to Play after Concussion Evaluations

Posted: Aug. 1, 2019

As of tomorrow, Physical Therapists will be included in the list of providers to make Return To Play determinations for one subset of the Colorado population (11-18 youth organized athletes). PTs are currently managing Coloradan's of all ages with concussions and returning them to a variety of activities.

Physical Therapists with training and pediatric neurology or concussion evaluation and management can return these youth athletes to play. This is a self-determination of competency standard. You may have already received this training during your schooling. If you think you need more training, stayed tuned for training opportunities through APTA Colorado.

Other health care providers currently involved in RTP determination include: MD, DO, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Doctor of Psychology with training in neuropsychology or concussion evaluation and management. Over 25 states allow for a PT to make this determination (HI, IA, NV, NM, OR, AZ, DC, AR, CA, DC, IN, ME, MD, MN, MI, MO, NE, NH, MT, ND, OK, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WV).

Read the bill: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2019a_1208_signed.pdf