Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act

Improved Safety Training and Information: The bill requires training for school personnel, including coaches, teachers, and nurses, on the prevention, recognition, and response to concussions (Section 2, Subsection a, 1, A, i). It also requires schools to post peer-reviewed information regarding the risks, signs, and symptoms of concussions (Section 2, Subsection a, 2).

Structured Recovery for Students: The Act encourages the use of multi-disciplinary concussion management teams to guide students as they resume athletic and academic activities (Section 2, Subsection a, 1, B, i). This includes providing appropriate academic accommodations such as modified assignments and periods of cognitive rest (Section 2, Subsection a, 1, B, ii and Section 2, Subsection a, 5).

Standardized Medical Clearance: To ensure safety, the bill requires a written release from a qualified health care professional before a student can resume participation in school-sponsored athletic activities (Section 2, Subsection a, 4).

Evaluation for Additional Services: For students whose symptoms persist, the bill encourages evaluating them for eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 2, Subsection a, 1, B, iii).

Financial Penalties for States: If a State fails to meet the compliance deadline, the Secretary of Education will reduce its funding from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by 5 percent in the first year, and by 10 percent in subsequent years (Section 2, Subsection b, 1 and 2).

Mandatory Removal from Activities: Any student suspected of having a concussion must be immediately removed from participation in school-sponsored athletic activities and prohibited from returning until they have a written release from a health care professional (Section 2, Subsection a, 3).