H.R. 7590: Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act

This bill, known as the Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act, aims to establish minimum requirements for concussion prevention and management in public schools across the United States. Here are the key components:

Minimum State Requirements

States that receive federal education funds must enact legislation or develop regulations that establish the following:

• Concussion Safety and Management Plan: Each local educational agency (school district) must create and implement a standard plan that addresses concussion education for students, parents, and staff. This includes:
  • Training for school personnel on how to recognize and manage concussions.
  • Maintaining records and communication channels regarding concussion reporting and treatment.
  • Providing resources for students recovering from concussions, regardless of where or when the concussion occurred.
• Public Information on Concussions: Schools must post and make accessible information about concussions, including:
  • Risks associated with concussions.
  • How to respond if a concussion occurs.
  • Signs and symptoms of a concussion.

Response to Concussions

If school personnel suspect a student has suffered a concussion, the following steps must be taken:

• The student must be immediately removed from any school-sponsored activities.
• They cannot return to activities until they obtain a written release from a qualified health care professional, who will confirm their capability to participate based on a recovery plan.

Return to Academics

Students who sustain a concussion are entitled to appropriate academic supports which may include:

• Periods of cognitive rest throughout the school day.
• Modified assignments to accommodate recovery.
• A gradual return to full academic activity without exacerbating symptoms.

Compliance and Penalties

States that fail to comply with these requirements by a specified deadline may face financial penalties, including a reduction in federal education funding:

• For the first year of noncompliance, the state's funding may be reduced by 5%.
• For subsequent years, the reduction could be increased to 10%.

Definitions

The bill clearly defines terms such as "concussion," indicating it is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by impact to the head or body. It also outlines what constitutes a "health care professional" qualified to assess concussions.

Rule of Construction

It clarifies that nothing in this Act affects existing civil or criminal liabilities under federal or state law.

Relevant Companies

• None found