DES MOINES, Iowa- Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill, updating the Iowa Youth Sports and Concussion Law, which was initially passed in 2011.
Geoffrey Lauer of the Brain Injury Alliance says there's "return-to-learn" requirement in the bill, so teachers recognize residual concussion symptoms. He says symptoms may include a lack of focus, memory issues, fatigue, and emotional issues for up to three weeks.
The bill allows for critical supports and accommodations in the classroom during the recovery period after a brain injury.
The new legislation also adds "emergency medical care providers" to the list of individuals who may require a student immediately be removed from an interscholastic activity.
The new law offers limited liability for schools who follow "return-to-play" protocols and who provide emergency medical or health professionals at school athletic events.
More details can be found on www.iowaconcussion.org.
Iowa brain injury experts warn about sub-concussive impacts
By Sue Danielson