NFL & NCAA Concussion Injury Litigation

BAP-Approved Neuropsychologists

The neuropsychologists of Neurocognitive Specialty Group are certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in the specialty of Clinical Neuropsychology, meeting the requirements of the NFL Settlement Agreement and the Baseline Assessment Program (BAP).

As BAP-approved examiners, NSG neuropsychologists have coordinated and conducted BAP evaluations for hundreds of former NFL players as part of the NFL Concussion Settlement. Our team conducts pre-effective evaluations, post-effective BAP evaluations, and Monetary Award Fund (MAF) evaluations across multiple states.

Contact us at (888) 606-0086 to speak with an NSG representative about BAP and MAF evaluations and for a list of states where we provide services.

To learn more about the National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation, visit the Official NFL Concussion Settlement Website at www.nflconcussionsettlement.com.

To learn more about the NCAA Concussion Injury Litigation, visit the Official NCAA Concussion Settlement Website at www.ncaaconcussionsettlement.com.

What Is the Baseline Assessment Program (BAP)?

The BAP was established under the NFL Concussion Settlement Agreement to provide baseline cognitive evaluation for current and former NFL players and to determine whether they are experiencing neurocognitive impairment. BAP assessments require testing by both a neuropsychologist and a neurologist.

What Does a BAP Exam Include?

BAP exams with an NSG neuropsychologist typically include:

  • Fixed Battery of Neuropsychological Tests — Approximately 60 to 65 tests administered over six to eight hours, evaluating attention, memory, language, visual and spatial reasoning, processing speed, speech, executive functioning, and other cognitive domains.
  • Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) — Attorneys representing players may request this approximately 40-minute pre-BAP phone screening. The TICS provides a snapshot of the individual’s current cognitive functioning to help determine whether full MAF/BAP testing is warranted. The screening may also identify indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or overall cognitive decline. (Note: per the NFL Settlement, the BAP exam itself does not allow for diagnosis of these conditions.)
  • Family History and Medical Record Review — A review of the player’s medical history, football career, concussion history, and family medical background.

Re-Evaluation Guidance

Many retired players will not meet BAP impairment criteria after an initial evaluation. However, this is a 65-year settlement, and many players will complete subsequent evaluations through the MAF as conditions progress. NSG offers an empirically derived cognitive screening assessment with brief interview specifically designed to identify optimal timing for re-evaluations, helping players and their attorneys make informed decisions about when to pursue follow-up testing.

Preparing for Your BAP Exam

Testing takes approximately six to eight hours and is typically completed in a single day.

During testing, you may become tired or need a break. Let the examiner know if you need time to stretch, use the restroom, have water or a snack, or simply rest.

The BAP requires players to complete a separate neurological evaluation with an approved provider in addition to the neuropsychological evaluation.

We recommend the following:

  • Come to your exam well-rested
  • Arrive early to allow time for parking and paperwork
  • Eat before you arrive so you are comfortable until the lunch break
  • Bring hearing aids or eyeglasses if you use them
  • Bring a list of all current medications
  • Bring a snack, your lunch, or money to buy lunch
  • Bring your insurance card(s) and photo ID
  • Bring any medical records related to your current condition
  • If able, bring a caregiver, close family member, or friend who can provide information about your background and daily functioning. (Note: your attorney or anyone working for your attorney may not serve in this role.)

Scheduling BAP and MAF Evaluations

Attorneys and former players can contact NSG to schedule BAP and MAF evaluations:

The BAP was established under the official NFL Concussion Settlement Agreement. This program provides baseline cognitive evaluation to determine whether current or former NFL football players are suffering from neurocognitive impairment. Assessments are two-fold and require testing by both a neuropsychologist and a neurologist.

BAP Exams with an NSG neuropsychologist typically include:

  • Fixed battery of tests lasting up to six to eight hours
    • Approx. 60-65 tests evaluating attention, memory, language, visual and spatial reasoning, processing, speech, executive functioning, and more.
  • Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS)
    • Attorneys representing the players may request this approx. 40-minute pre-BAP phone screening
    • Our psychologists will perform a TICS to get a “snapshot” of the individual’s cognitive functioning in order to determine if full MAF/BAP testing is needed.
    • Doctors may also screen for indicators of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease or overall cognitive decline. (Per the NFL Settlement, the actual BAP Exam does not allow for diagnosis of these mental health conditions.)
  • A family history and expert Medical Record Review

Many retired players will not meet the established BAP impairment criteria after an initial evaluation. However, it is also important to note that this is a 60 year settlement and many retired players will complete subsequent evaluations through the MAF. In order to provide guidance to retired NFL players and their representatives, we offer an empirically derived cognitive screening assessment with brief interview specifically designed to identify optimal times for re-evaluations.

The length of testing time averages approximately six to eight hours. Testing is usually completed all in one day so you will not have to come to multiple appointments.

During testing, you may become tired or need a break. Please be sure to let the BAP Provider know if you need some time to stretch, use the restroom, have a drink of water or snacks, or if you just need a break. Please note, the BAP also requires players to complete a separate neurological evaluation with an approved provider in addition to the neuropsychological evaluation.

We recommend the following general guidelines:

  • Make sure to come for your exam well-rested.
  • Arrive early to allow time for finding the location and parking, and filling out required paperwork.
  • Make sure you eat something before you arrive so that you are comfortable until the lunch break.
  • If you wear hearing aids or eyeglasses, bring them with you.
  • Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
  • Bring a snack, your lunch, or money to buy lunch.
  • Bring your insurance card(s) and picture ID.
  • Bring medical records that are related to your current illness or injury.
  • If able, bring your caregiver, close family member, or friend. Often they can provide direct, personal knowledge of your background and functional abilities. Please note that your representative lawyer (or anyone working for them) may NOT serve in this capacity.
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