Concussion awareness measure approved

Lawmakers passed a bill April 8 that establishes a state policy on concussions for child athletes.

LB260, introduced by Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop, adopts the Concussion Awareness Act, which provides schools and organizations with information and training about concussions.

Among other provisions, the bill:

• makes concussion and brain injury training available to coaches of all organized athletic teams involving school-aged children;
• provides concussion and brain injury information to athletes, parents and guardians prior to participation in practice or competition;
• requires notification of a parent or guardian if a child is removed from an athletic activity due to suspected concussion or brain injury; and
• requires that a child athlete who appears to have suffered a concussion or brain injury be removed from practice and competition until a licensed health care professional provides written clearance for his or her return.

LB260 passed on a 43-0 vote.