The bill amends Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws, specifically adding a new section that mandates all public high schools in each school district in Rhode Island to employ a certified athletic trainer by August 1, 2025. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that athletic trainers are available to perform their professional functions at the schools.

Additionally, the bill modifies the "School and Youth Programs Concussion Act" and the "Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act" by changing the language from encouraging school districts to have an athletic trainer or similarly trained person at all recreational and athletic events to requiring them to do so, in accordance with the new section 16-21-42. The bill also includes guidelines for the management of concussions and sudden cardiac arrest, including education, training requirements for coaches and volunteers, and protocols for the removal and return to play of youth athletes suspected of having a concussion or exhibiting signs of sudden cardiac arrest. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7871: 16-91-3, 16-91.1-3