MS HB1558

Local school boards must develop guidelines and concussion/brain injury information forms for student athletes and parents, with yearly signed acknowledgment required before athletic participation.

All coaches employed by school districts must receive annual training to recognize concussion symptoms and seek proper medical treatment, completed before the start of practice season.

Any student athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or brain injury during practice or competition must be immediately removed from participation until evaluated and cleared in writing by a licensed physician.

Establishes that the CDC estimates 3.9 million sports-related concussions occur annually in the United States, with particular risk of catastrophic injury when concussions are not properly managed.

Effective date is July 1, 2013.