New Jersey Assembly Bill A1183

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires DOE to develop registry of high school student-athletes who sustain concussions or other head injuries.

Impact

This legislation is anticipated to have a significant impact on student safety within school sports programs by mandating coaches to report any concussion-related incidents immediately to designated athletic personnel. The systematic collection of data on head injuries will provide valuable insights into the rates and circumstances of such injuries, empowering the DOE to formulate better safety measures to enhance the well-being of student-athletes. Additionally, the proposed registry is expected to promote accountability among coaches and schools regarding adherence to injury reporting and response protocols.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1183 proposes the establishment of a centralized registry by the Department of Education (DOE) for high school student-athletes who experience concussions or other head injuries during interscholastic sports, intramural sports, or cheerleading activities. This registry aims to collect crucial data concerning the instances of head injuries among these athletes, allowing for the identification of trends and the development of evidence-based protocols for preventing such injuries. The bill emphasizes the importance of safeguarding student privacy by ensuring that all identifying information is kept confidential.

Contention

While the bill is primarily positioned as a public health measure, it may raise discussions around the feasibility and administrative burden of maintaining a central registry. Concerns might arise regarding how effectively schools can implement the reporting requirements without straining resources or overwhelming staff. Furthermore, debates could emerge regarding the balance between collecting necessary data and the privacy rights of students and families, particularly in how medical information is managed and protected within the registry.