Home » Bill to ensure safe return to school for students who have suffered concussions approved by assembly

Bill to ensure safe return to school for students who have suffered concussions approved by assembly

by MercerMe Staff

Legislation to ensure students who have suffered a concussion are properly vetted by a licensed health care professional before they can return to school was unanimously approved Thursday by the full Assembly, and sponsored by Assembly members including Assembly Democrats Dan Benson, and Elizabeth Maher Muoio.

“Concussions, especially in young people, should not be taken lightly. When a child suffers a concussion, there needs to be proper procedures in place for his or her return to school and learning,” said Lampitt (D-Camden/Burlington). “This bill will help ensure the utmost caution is taken during their return to school in order to ease their transition back into the classroom and avoid further injuring themselves.”

Under the bill (A-2481), a public school student who sustains a concussion must be evaluated by a licensed health care professional and receive written clearance from the licensed health care professional to return to school. As defined in the bill, a “licensed health care professional” is a health care provider whose scope of practice includes the ability to diagnose and treat concussion.

In the event that the licensed health care professional provides notice that the student requires restrictions or limitations, the school district 504 team, as defined in N.J.A.C.6A:8-1.3, (a group of persons that makes program and placement decisions according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, and 34 CFR § 104.35(c)), must immediately implement the restrictions or limitations and notify all teachers and staff who have contact with the student.

“Given the host of side effects that can arise from a concussion-related injury, it is critical that a student who has been hurt is not only medically cleared to return to school, but that the appropriate school professionals are made aware of the student’s injury and have input into his or her integration back into school,” said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “This is crucial for a full recovery.”

Bill for safe return to school for students who have suffered concussions clears Assembly Panel

“Recovery time for concussions is usually longer for young people than it is for adults,” said Jasey (D-Essex/Morris). “Making sure that schools are prepared can ensure that students who return to school after a concussion will receive the support needed to boost their recovery.”

The school district’s 504 team would promptly identify the manner in which the restrictions or limitations would be provided during recovery, and the need for the continuation or adjustment of the restrictions or limitations, and to determine the duration of the restrictions or limitations.

The bill would also provide that a student enrolled in a school district who sustains a concussion is prohibited from engaging in any physical activity at school including, but not limited to, recess or physical education. The student may not participate in any physical activity until evaluated by a licensed health care professional and receives written clearance to participate.

The bill now awaits further consideration by the Senate.

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