Bill > H2280

This bill establishes a special commission to study concussions that occur as a result of varsity sports in public and private high schools. The commission will consist of 9 members, including representatives from the Department of Public Health, the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, and the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts, as well as 5 gubernatorial appointees with expertise in sports-related concussions, long-term brain trauma consequences, high school athletic direction, and private school athletic programs. The commission will analyze current data on the prevalence and causes of sports-related concussions, review safety policies and rules, and study the cost and effectiveness of baseline concussion testing. It will make recommendations on methods to reduce and prevent concussions, procedures for schools to identify and respond to concussions, whether baseline testing should be required, and any necessary legislation. Additionally, the Department of Public Health, in consultation with the commission, will develop a system to collect and analyze high school sports injury and health-related data, and prepare an annual report on the findings.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H2280