SB 216 – This act creates the "High School Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act." No later than December 31, 2011, each school board must work with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri and the Missouri State High School Activities Association to develop guidelines, information, and forms to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes and their parents or guardians about the nature and risk of concussions and brain injury. On an annual basis, an information sheet must be signed by athlete's parent or guardian, and submitted prior to the youth athlete's initiating practice or competition. Any youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or brain injury in a practice or game must be removed from competition for at least twenty-four hours. In addition, a youth athlete cannot return to play until he or she has been evaluated by a licensed physician trained in the management of concussion, as described in the act. The youth athlete must also receive written clearance to play from that provider.
A healthcare provider who is a volunteer who authorizes an athlete to return to play will not be liable for civil damages except for acts or omissions that constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
This act is similar to SCS/HCS/HBs 300, 334 & 387 (2011) and HB 1548 (2010).
MICHAEL RUFF