SCS/HCS/HBs 300, 334 & 387 – This act establishes the "Interscholastic Youth Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act." By December 31, 2011, the Department of Health and Senior Services shall promulgate rules which develop guidelines, forms, and to provide education on the nature and risk of concussion and brain injury with the following entities: a statewide association of school boards; a statewide activities association that provides oversight for athletic or activity eligibility for students and school districts; and an organization named by the Department of Health and Senior Services that specializes in support services, education, and advocacy of those with brain injuries. The primary focus of the rules shall be the safety and protection against long-term injury to the youth athlete. Annually, each school district must distribute a concussion and brain injury information sheet to each youth athlete participating in the district's athletic program. The sheet must be signed by the youth athlete's parent or guardian and submitted to the school district prior to the youth athlete's participation in any athletic practice or competition.
A youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or brain injury must be removed from competition for no less than twenty-four hours. The youth athlete must not return to competition until he or she has been evaluated by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and receives written clearance to return to competition from that provider.
Any statewide athletic organization with a public school district as a member must publish an annual report relating to the impact of concussions and head injuries on student athletes. No public school shall be a member of a statewide athletic organization that fails to comply with this requirement.
This act is similar to HB 588 (2011) and SB 216 (2011).
MICHAEL RUFF