MO HB334

Department of Education shall develop and implement an interscholastic athletic head injury safety training program by the 2012-2013 school year for school physicians, coaches, and athletic trainers.

Training program must cover recognition of symptoms of head and neck injuries, concussions, and second-impact syndrome, plus appropriate return-to-play timelines for student athletes with head injuries.

Department of Education shall create an educational fact sheet on sports-related concussions and head injuries that school districts and nonpublic schools must distribute annually to parents and student athletes with signed acknowledgment.

Each school district must develop a written policy on prevention and treatment of sports-related concussions and head injuries by the 2012-2013 school year, with the Department of Education providing a model policy by March 31, 2012.

Student athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury must be immediately removed from competition or practice and cannot return until evaluated and cleared by a physician or licensed healthcare provider trained in concussion management.