IL HB4226

Department of Public Health shall develop and distribute a free brochure educating the public on concussion effects in children, warning signs, and learning development delays, which schools must provide to any child or parent who may have sustained a concussion regardless of whether it occurred during school athletic activities.

Schools must establish concussion oversight teams that develop return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, with team membership including at least one physician when practicable and athletic trainers or nurses if employed by the school.

Students must be immediately removed from athletic practice or competition if a coach, physician, game official, athletic trainer, parent, student, or other designated person believes a concussion has occurred, and cannot return to play until evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional and cleared in writing.

Coaches, game officials, nurses, athletic trainers, and other healthcare professionals serving on concussion oversight teams must complete at least 2 hours of concussion training from approved providers every 2 years, with proof submitted to school administrators.

Schools must develop written emergency action plans addressing serious injuries and acute medical conditions for athletic activities, including roles, communication methods, emergency equipment, and transport procedures, to be reviewed annually by athletic staff and volunteers.