The proposed legislation, known as the "Coach Safely Act," aims to enhance safety measures in youth athletics by amending existing liability laws and establishing a framework for youth injury mitigation courses. It modifies R.S. 9:2798(B)(1) to require that volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and team officials participate in a safety orientation and training program, which may now include a newly defined "youth injury mitigation course." This course is designed to cover critical topics such as emergency preparedness, concussions, heat-related injuries, musculoskeletal overuse, and heart defects. The bill also updates the terminology from "health care provider" to "healthcare provider."

Additionally, the legislation enacts R.S. 40:1087.2, which mandates the Louisiana Department of Health to establish a process for approving youth injury mitigation courses. These courses must meet specific instructional requirements and can be used to fulfill the safety orientation and training program requirements outlined in R.S. 9:2798. The Department is tasked with maintaining a list of approved courses on its website and is authorized to adopt necessary rules for implementation. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
SB260 Original: 9:2798(B)(1)
SB260 Engrossed: 9:2798(B)(1)
SB260 Enrolled: 9:2798(B)(1)