Allows other licensed healthcare providers trained in evaluation and management of concussions in addition to physicians to provide written clearance for student-athlete return to competition.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Lampitt

Expands return-to-play clearance after concussion to licensed clinicians beyond physicians (with concussion scope) while upholding CDC Return-to-Play steps and symptom absence.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Education Committee

#healthprof #sports

Purpose and scope

Aims to broaden who can issue written clearance for a student-athlete to return to competition after a concussion or suspected head injury.

Specifically, it amends current law to allow licensed healthcare providers other than physicians—so long as their scope of practice includes diagnosing and treating concussions—to provide the required written clearance, in addition to physicians.

What the bill would change

Current law: After a concussion or suspected head injury, a student must be removed from competition and may not return until evaluated by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider trained in concussion management, who then provides written clearance to return.

New provision: The written clearance may be provided not only by physicians but also by other licensed healthcare providers whose scope of practice includes diagnosing and treating concussions. The clearance must still be accompanied by the student’s return to regular school activities and absence of symptoms.

Return-to-play: The return to competition remains governed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s six-step "Return to Play Progression" or any updated version of those recommendations.

Affected parties

Students participating in interscholastic sports, intramural sports, or cheerleading programs who sustain or are suspected of sustaining a concussion.

School districts and school athletic programs administering concussion protocols.

Licensed healthcare providers whose practice includes concussion evaluation and management (e.g., physicians and other appropriately credentialed clinicians) who would be authorized to issue return-to-play clearance.

Parents/guardians and student-athletes who must comply with the clearance process and return-to-activity timeline.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced in the New Jersey Assembly and referred to the Assembly Education Committee.

Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.

Context: Builds on the existing framework established by P.L.2010, c.94 requiring immediate removal from activity and subsequent medical clearance before returning to play.

Additional context

Sponsor: Linda Rosenthal (primary).

Related bills and companion references include A 10514, A 2129, and S 6464 (companion).

The bill aligns with ongoing emphasis on concussion safety while expanding access to qualified professionals for clearance decisions.

This bill could reduce potential delays in clearance by allowing a broader, appropriately qualified set of healthcare providers to authorize return-to-play, provided they have the requisite concussion diagnosis and treatment scope of practice and follow CDC’s Return to Play progression.

Bill