Corbett Expected To Sign Student-Athlete Concussion Bill
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Governor Tom Corbett is expected to sign a bill heading to his desk that will create guidelines for dealing with concussions and head injuries suffered by student athletes in Pennsylvania.
Lehigh Valley Republican Senator Pat Browne sponsored the bill and says the most significant provision of the bill now likely to become law in Pennsylvania is a mandate that student athletes showing signs of a concussion be sidelined and not allowed to return to the sport or activity until he or she is cleared by an "appropriate medical professional".
"Well, it would be a licensed physician who is certified and trained in the diagnosis and management of concussions, or somebody that that physicians designates. And that would be somebody also that would have skills in the management of concussions – someone who has the credentials to make the sure the child is prepared to go back in."
Covering youngsters participating in interscholastic sports; competitions associated with school entities, including cheerleading; and sports activities sponsored by clubs and school-affiliated organizations, the bill also mandates training for coaches about the risk of brain injury.
Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060
