HB 1120 Summary

• Establishes legislative findings that concussions are common injuries in youth sports with significant risks if not properly evaluated and managed, and requires all schools to establish return-to-learn protocols based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence consistent with federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

• Defines key terms including "athletic trainer" (individual licensed under IC 25-5.1), "coach" (volunteer or employee responsible for organizing and supervising athletic instruction), "concussion" (complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain from traumatic physical force), "game official" (individual who officiates interscholastic or organized athletic activities), and "player" (individual participating in athletic activity sponsored by an organizing entity).

• Requires immediate removal from play of any player or high school student athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury, with removal authority granted to coaches, game officials, athletic trainers, parents, players, licensed health care providers, or others designated by the association or organizing entity.

• Mandates that players or student athletes removed from play cannot return until evaluated by a licensed health care provider trained in concussion management, receiving written clearance, and waiting at least 24 hours since removal.

• Requires school corporations, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools to establish concussion oversight teams including at least one physician, with athletic trainers and nurses as members when employed, to develop return-to-learn protocols; designates individuals responsible for implementing return-to-play and return-to-learn requirements; and directs the Department of Education to make model return-to-learn protocols available to schools.