The bill amends Section 16-91-3 of the "School and Youth Programs Concussion Act" to enhance guidelines for managing concussions in student athletes. It requires all school districts to designate a licensed athletic trainer at each high school within the district. The bill mandates that a student athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury must be removed from play and may not return until evaluated and cleared by a qualified physician.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous encouragement for baseline neuropsychological testing and updates the terminology from "youth athlete" to "student athlete." Parents and/or guardians must be provided with information about the risks associated with concussions at the start of each sports season and must acknowledge receipt of this information.

The bill also emphasizes the need for annual training on concussions and traumatic brain injuries for all coaches, volunteers, and school nurses, while teachers and aides are strongly encouraged to participate in similar training. Overall, the bill aims to improve the safety and management of concussions in school sports.

Statutes affected:
5490: 16-91-3