BOISE -- Idaho is joining other states considering new rules on when young athletes can return to play after suffering head injuries.
Rep. Elaine Smith wants to require a licensed health care provider to evaluate athletes under the age of 18 who suffer concussions.
The Twin Falls Republican's measure is up for debate on Wednesday in the House State Affairs Committee.
Attention on this issue in pro football's NFL has inspired other states to take up the cause of protecting young athletes.
Idaho's neighbor, Washington state, last year passed the nation's strongest return-to-play statute.
Under-18 athletes there who show concussion symptoms can't take the field again without a licensed health care provider's written approval.
A U.S. House panel also has held hearings on this issue; as many as 3.8 million sports- or recreation-related concussions occur annually in the United States.
