Bill > S05499

This bill updates New York state's school concussion management protocols by modifying existing education law to enhance requirements for handling student concussions. The bill requires a comprehensive approach to concussion awareness and management, including mandatory biennial training for coaches, physical education teachers, nurses, athletic trainers, and medical directors on recognizing concussion symptoms and proper treatment protocols. Key provisions include requiring immediate removal of students suspected of having a concussion, mandating that students cannot return to athletic activities until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours and have returned to a full class schedule without academic accommodations, and have received written authorization from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The bill also requires schools to provide concussion-related information on websites and consent forms, and allows schools to establish concussion management teams to oversee implementation of these protocols. These changes aim to improve student safety by ensuring a more thorough and careful approach to managing potential traumatic brain injuries in school settings, with a focus on both prevention and proper return-to-play procedures.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5499