Bill > A779

Introduced Session

This bill requires the use of annual baseline concussion testing for student-athletes and cheerleaders who are enrolled in grades six through 12 and participate in a school organized athletic program. In December 2010, the State enacted P.L.2010, c.94 (C.18A:40-41.1 et al.) to address the issue of sports-related concussions among student-athletes in grades kindergarten through 12. Under this law, each school district is required to develop a written policy concerning the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries among student-athletes and cheerleaders. The law also requires the Department of Education (DOE) to develop: (1) an athletic head injury safety training program for school physicians, athletic coaches, and athletic trainers; and (2) a model policy, applicable to grades kindergarten through 12, on which a school district can base its written concussion policy. This bill amends P.L.2010, c.94 (C.18A:40-41.1 et al.) to require the use of annual baseline concussion testing for student-athletes and cheerleaders enrolled in grades six through 12. Specifically, the bill requires each school district to revise its written concussion policy, on or before July 1 of the first full school year following the date of enactment, to incorporate the use of annual baseline concussion testing for these student-athletes and cheerleaders. Under the bill, the DOE would also be required to update the athletic head injury safety training program and the model policy, respectively, to incorporate the use of annual baseline concussion testing. As defined in the bill, "baseline concussion testing" means the use of a neurocognitive exam, conducted by an athletic trainer or school physician before the beginning of an athletic season, to assess the pre-symptomatic brain functions of a student-athlete or cheerleader, the results of which are used to diagnose the concussion-related symptoms of the student-athlete or cheerleader. The bill also requires the results of a baseline concussion test to be considered before the student-athlete or cheerleader receives clearance to return to competition or practice. Currently, if a student-athlete or cheerleader is suspected of having sustained a concussion while engaged in a competition or practice, then the student may only resume athletic participation after being evaluated by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider who is trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and receiving written clearance from a physician with this training. Under the bill, the physician or healthcare provider would be required to consider the results of the student-athlete or cheerleader's most recent baseline concussion test when conducting this evaluation. Additionally, the bill requires the existing continuing education requirements for licensed athletic trainers to include instructions concerning the use of baseline concussion testing. Under current law, licensed athletic trainers are required to complete 24 hours of continuing athletic trainer education as a condition for biennial license renewal.

Committee Categories

Don Guardian (R)*,  Greg McGuckin (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document