Senate approves concussion legislation
HARRISBURG — The state Senate today unanimously approved a measure to boost safety provisions for student-athletes and prevent traumatic brain injuries.
Under the legislation, student athletes who show symptoms of a concussion must be removed from play until they are cleared by a medical professional.
It also requires coaches to complete concussion certification courses and mandates that parents and guardians annually read and sign documents providing information about concussions and head injuries.
Thirty-one other states have similar laws.
It passed the House unanimously earlier this month, and a spokesman for Gov. Tom Corbett said he intends to sign the bill.
Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, who sponsored the measure, said there currently are no protocols for how schools must handle head injuries.
“The passage of this will greater ensure that our young athletes are better protected from concussions and brain-related injuries,” Mr. Browne said.