THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

INTRODUCED BY BRIGGS, CURRY, DeLUCA, DONATUCCI, FRANKEL, FREEMAN, GROVE, HOUGHTON, KORTZ, MAHONEY, McGEEHAN, M. O'BRIEN, SWANGER AND YOUNGBLOOD, OCTOBER 26, 2009

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, OCTOBER 26, 2009  

AN ACT

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An

act relating to the public school system, including certain

provisions applicable as well to private and parochial

schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the

laws relating thereto," providing for management of

concussions and head injuries.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known

as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a

section to read:

Section 1606-A.  Management of Concussions and Head

Injuries.--(a)  The association, in cooperation with the

Department of Health, shall develop guidelines and other

pertinent information and forms to inform and educate students

involved in interscholastic athletics, their parents and their

coaches about the nature and risk of concussion and head injury

including the risks associated with continuing to play after a

concussion or head injury.

(b)  A student involved in interscholastic athletics and the

student's parent or guardian shall annually sign and return to

the student's school a concussion and head injury information

sheet prior to the student's participating in practice or

competition.

(c)  A student who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or

head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from play at

that time. The student shall not return to play until the

student is evaluated by a licensed health care provider trained

in the evaluation and management of concussion and receives

written clearance to return to play from that health care

provider.

Section 2.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.