This bill amends the "School and Youth Programs Concussion Act" to require school districts to develop and implement guidelines to inform and educate coaches, teachers, school nurses, youth athletes, and their parents/guardians about the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries. It also requires the use of training materials provided by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, and mandates that coaches, volunteers, school nurses, and teachers complete training courses on concussions and traumatic brain injuries. The bill encourages school districts to have student athletes perform baseline neuropsychological testing and requires the removal of a youth athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury from competition. The athlete may not return to play until evaluated by a licensed physician and receives written clearance. Additionally, the bill encourages all school districts to have an athletic trainer available at all recreational and athletic events, and requires each high school within a district to designate a licensed athletic trainer for all athletic practices and games. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
188: 16-91-3