Bill > A4983

This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to develop a comprehensive student-athlete eating disorder awareness training program within 120 days, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education and the Commissioner of Health. The training program must cover types of eating disorders, risk factors, identification of symptoms, prevention strategies, available support services, and protocols for connecting at-risk student-athletes with help. The program must be completed by all coaches of middle school, high school, and collegiate sports, as well as athletic trainers employed by public schools and public institutions of higher education. Participants must complete the training initially within six months of the program's establishment and then every two years thereafter, with newly appointed coaches and trainers required to complete the training within six months of their appointment. Each school board and institution of higher education must also adopt a policy outlining how coaches, athletic trainers, and staff should handle suspicions of a student-athlete having an eating disorder, including notifying parents or guardians and connecting the student with appropriate services. Additionally, the training can be used towards continuing education requirements for athletic trainers, and the program will be updated as needed to reflect the most current information on eating disorder awareness.

Education, Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4983