Concussion Legislation To Protect Young Athletes Moves Forward

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – A federal bill regarding concussions is moving closer to becoming federal law while individual states are also tackling the issue.

The Concussion Treatment and Care Tools Act passed in the House of Representatives by a majority voice vote Wednesday afternoon. The bill mandates the proper care and management for concussions suffered by young athletes.

Dubbed The ConTACT Act, and wrtitten by Democrat Rep. Bill Pascrell of New Jersey, the legislation will require the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a conference of medical, athletic, and education professionals to establish a set of concussion management guidelines for student athletes.

The bill will also provide new authorization to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give grants to states to implement new concussion policies as well as purchase testing equipment to better protect student athletes.

“The ConTACT Act has already facilitated dialogue and raised awareness of the dangers young people can face after they have sustained a concussion,” Pascrell said in a press release,

States are acting as well.

In Pennsylvania the state House voted 169-29 to pass the Safety in Youth Sports Act.

The act calls for the state Department of Health and Education to post to its website guidelines about sports and concussions and the risks of playing or practicing after this kind of injury.

Athletes and parents will have to sign a form stating they’ve been informed of the risks each year.

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