I would like to thank TCB reader Tamara for sending the following info regarding the Arizona concussions legislation;

On Monday, April 18, 2011, Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1521 into law.  The major provisions of this are as follows:

1. Mandates concussion education to coaches, athletes, and parents.

2. Requires removal from play of a school or youth sport athletes suspected of concussion

3. Requires the athlete to be evaluated by, and get written clearance from, an approved healthcare provider before returning to play. Approved providers includes licensed physicians (MD / DO), licensed physician assistants, licensed advanced practice nurse practitioners, and licensed athletic trainers.

4. Extends liability protection to schools and school districts.

All the information regarding the bill can be seen HERE.  I do like the fact that the bill extends to ‘youth’ sports and extends liability protection for schools and districts that follow the rules.  The common theme among all the bills are removal and requirements for evaluation, by a health care provider.  It has become common recently that an athletic trainer is one of the accepted HCP’s, and to be honest this should be EXPECTED for those still mulling the bills.

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