These really slipped under the radar, but Maryland not only enacted one bill, but two. Each chamber’s sponsored bill was accepted and signed into law by Governor Martin O’Mally on May 18th; each legislative piece will be in effect on July 1, 2011.
The Senate bill (MD sb0771e) and House bill (MD hb0858e), I believe to be, are the same; here are some highlights…
- Includes all athletic activities for those aged 19 and younger
- An informed consent that must be signed by parent/guardian and athlete
- Removal from game if overt signs and symptoms
- Cannot return until written clearance from “health care provider”
Maryland becomes the 15th state to enact concussion legislation, by our count.