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 stipulates that parents and/or guardians must be provided with information about the risks associated with concussions at the start of each sports season, and a signed acknowledgment of receipt must be obtained from both the athlete and their parent or guardian before the athlete can return to practice or competition.

The language has been updated to replace "youth athlete" with "student athlete" and removes the previous encouragement for baseline neuropsychological testing. Furthermore, all coaches, volunteers, and school nurses are required to complete annual training on concussions and traumatic brain injuries, while teachers and aides are strongly encouraged to do the same. Overall, the bill aims to improve the safety and management of concussions in school sports.

Statutes affected:
320: 16-91-3