A bill for an act modifying provisions related to school concussion and brain injury policies.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HF471 adds psychologists with neuropsychology/concussion training to the licensed health care providers list for concussion care, guiding removal and return-to-play decisions.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 471.

#braininjuries #headinjuries #medicalcare #schools

Summary: HF471 (formerly HSB 86) — Iowa Concussion and Brain Injury Policy Changes

Bill at a Glance

Bill Number: HF471 (renumbered from HSB 86)

Title: A bill for an act modifying provisions related to school concussion and brain injury policies

Subject: Brain injuries, head injuries, medical care in schools

Introduced: January 27, 2025

Status: Committee report approving bill; renumbered as HF 471.

Primary Focus: Expands the category of “licensed health care provider” for purposes of school concussion/brain injury protocols in 280.13C.

What the Bill Does

Core Change: The bill modifies the definition of “licensed health care provider” in Code section 280.13C to include additional professionals. Specifically, it adds:

A person who holds a doctorate in psychology with specialty training in neuropsychology or concussion management.

Other Provisions (as currently described): The bill continues to reference the collaboration among the Department of Health and Human Services, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union to develop training materials, distribute information, and establish return-to-participation protocols for students after concussion/brain injury signs or symptoms. It also maintains standards for when a student should be removed from participation and when they may return, per the direction of a licensed health care provider.

Implication of Change: By including a psychology doctorate with neuropsychology/concussion management specialization as a licensed health care provider, schools may rely on this professional for evaluation, removal, and return-to-play decisions under concussion protocols.

Who Is Affected

Students: Participants in extracurricular interscholastic activities who may experience concussions or brain injuries.

Schools and Districts: Responsible for implementing concussion policies and return-to-play decisions.

Licensed Professionals: Expanded pool includes psychologists with relevant specialization, in addition to physicians, physician assistants, chiropractors, advanced practice nurses, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers.

State Agencies and Associations: DHHS, IHSAA, and IGHSAU, which must continue to develop and disseminate guidelines and training.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced: January 27, 2025; referred to Health and Human Services.

Subcommittee: February 11, 2025 (Moore, T.; Bradley; Ehlert) – recommended passage.

Committee Action: February 18–19, 2025 – committee report recommending passage; bill renumbered as HF 471.

Next Steps: If advanced, HF471 would proceed through the usual legislative process toward final passage and potential signing into law.

Potential Impact

Expands access to qualified evaluators for concussion/brain injury decisions in schools.

May affect who can authorize removal from play and determine return-to-participation timelines.

Reinforces ongoing state-collaboration on training, information dissemination, and protocols for student athletes.

If you’d like, I can compare HF471 to the current 280.13C language in detail or draft a plain-language briefing for school administrators.