State Laws
State concussion laws
Many states passed concussion laws in 2010-11. While the actual laws vary, most contain three important elements: removal from play if an athlete is suspected of having suffered a concussion; referral to a medical professional trained in the diagnosis and management of concussion; and require an athlete to obtain a written medical authorization before that athlete can return to physical activity. Most states also include an educational component and require training of various parties.
By state
A brief list of states with concussion laws. Learn more...
Washington State's Lystedt Law
Washington State was the first in the country to adopt a concussion law similar to those currently being passed in other states. Zackery Lystedt was a 14-year-old football player from Maple Valley, WA, who suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of multiple brain injuries suffered during the same game. The Lystedt family served as the inspiration for Washington State's concussion law, as well as many others. Zackery continues to recover. Learn more...
Related: Zackery Lystedt's story
Dr. William Meehan, III Harvard University instructor; Director, Sports Concussion Clinic, Children's Hospital Boston, Mass.