Bill > H1155

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 the Commissioner of Public Health, representatives from the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, and the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts, as well as other appointed members with expertise in sports-related concussions, brain trauma research, and high school athletics. The commission will analyze data on the prevalence and causes of sports-related concussions, review safety policies and rules, and study the effectiveness of baseline concussion testing for student-athletes. The commission will make recommendations on methods to reduce and prevent concussions, procedures for schools to identify and respond to concussions, and whether baseline concussion testing should be required for high school athletes. The commission will submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Joint Committee on Public Health by May 1, 2019, with a preliminary report due by December 1, 2018.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H1155