Bergen Legislator's Bill Protecting Concussed Students Advances In Assembly

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (District 37) ensuring that students who have suffered a concussion are properly vetted by a licensed healthcare professional before they can return to school concussion advanced through the State Assembly Monday.

Under the bill (A-2481), a public school student who sustains a concussion must be evaluated and receive written clearance from the licensed health care professional to return to school. The bill was released by the Assembly Education Committee.

A student who sustains a concussion would be prohibited from engaging in any physical activity at school including, recess and physical education classes. The student would not be allowed to participate in any physical activity until evaluated by a licensed health care professional and receives written clearance to participate.

"Kids, especially younger children, are rambunctious by nature," said Johnson, a democrat. "It is wise to have a plan in place led by the appropriate school professionals to ensure that a child who has been cleared to return to school after a concussion doesn't inadvertently cause further injury."

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