HI SB2557

Expands the existing concussion educational program (Act 197, 2012) to include youth athletic activities, in addition to high school athletics.

Requires annual concussion awareness training for coaches, administrators, staff, and officials covering signs/symptoms, medical attention, medical clearance requirements, and return-to-school protocols.

Mandates immediate removal from activity for any participant suspected of or showing signs of concussion, with clearance from licensed health care providers trained in concussion management required before return to play.

Adds new program requirements including cognitive testing of school athletics participants, continuous data collection and monitoring of concussions with neuropsychologist review, and compliance by out-of-state organizations competing in Hawaii.

Appropriates $450,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to develop and implement the concussion program, develop youth athletics awareness program, and administer concussion testing to high school student athletes beginning August 1, 2016.