Maryland state school board adopts more stringent concussion protocols for athletes

The Maryland state school board has adopted new regulations that beef up protocols for addressing head injuries and require more concussion training for those responsible for student-athletes. The Baltimore Sun says an advisory board will recommend limitations on contact exposure in sports where concussions occur. The regulations include training for physical education teachers and a biennial refresher for coaches. School districts will be required to draw up policies that address academic accommodations for injured students; they must document oral and written notification to parents and guardians when a concussion has been sustained, and provide timely notification to athletic directors and school nurses. The regulations also call for identifying health care providers authorized to permit students to return after a concussion.