Student Athletes: Concussions and Head Injuries goes into effect on July 1, 2012.
Follow the links to where you can find a copy of the law, or a question and answer sheet distributed by the Department of Education.
The law states: A player suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from play at the time of injury and may not return to play until the student athlete has been evaluated by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and head injuries. The athlete must receive written clearance to return to play from the health care provider.
Forms and information regarding this law can be found on the Indiana Department of Education Learning Connection, under the community entitled "IDOE - Concussion and Head Injury in Student Athletes".
This law only pertains to students in grades 9-12 who are participating in interscholastic or intramural sport. It is recommended that any student be removed from play and evaluated by a licensed health care provider whether they fall under the specific guidelines of this law or not.
In order for a person to be able to sign a written clearance for the athlete to return to play after a suspected concussion, the person must meet all three of the following criteria:
- Must have a license given by a governmental agency that regulates a specific profession.
- Must be listed in Indiana Code as a health care provider.
- Must have training in the evaluation and management of concussions and head injuries.
A health care professional works under the care of a health care provider. Because a professional does not meet the criteria for the definition as a licensed health care provider, they are not allowed to write written clearance for a student athlete to return to play following a concussion.
The log-in password is set to change as of April 15, 2012. If you have not received the new password by that time, please email us.
The Preseason Concussion Assessment Baseline Test is a test that is useful to gain a baseline assessment of various brain functions that may be affected should an athlete suffer a head injury. This test should be done prior to begining athletic activity each new season. The test assesses memory, concentration, orientation and balance.
Introduction
The Indiana Sports Concussion Network (ISCN) is dedicated to increasing awareness of concussions. The ISCN wants to educate athletes, parents, coaches, and members of the healthcare community about concussions and the serious consequences they can present, especially if the brain is not allowed to fully heal before returning to sport or activity. Proper management of a concussion is the best form of prevention.
ImPACT Testing
As one part of proper concussion management, ISCN utilizes the computerized ImPACT test to obtain objective information on the function of the brain. ImPACT (Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) provides a common tool which allows for effective collaboration between athletic trainers, coaches, physicians, and neuropsychologists in concussion management. Through baseline testing, clinicians are able to account for individual differences in cognitive ability and symptom reporting among student athletes. Again, ImPACT is only one tool in the management of concussions. Thanks in part to a grant from Indiana University Health Orthopedics, ISCN can donate baseline ImPACT tests to Indiana high school athletes. There are opportunities for those who would not fall under this grant to take baseline ImPACT tests if they are interested on an individual or group basis.
Network Affiliation
ISCN hopes to create a network of clinicians working better together to provide the best concussion management possible, regardless of individual clinic or practice loyalty. Many of these clinicians compete for patients, we want concussion management to be cooperative and patient care focused.
Contact Information
Indiana Sports Concussion Network
Phone: 317-571-8233
Fax: 317-817-1220
Email: concussion@methodistsports.com
Please contact us with any questions you have about concussions or the ISCN, or problems you may experience with the website. |
