ORS 336.485 Concussions; training of coaches; participation by athletes; medical release from qualified health care professional; rules

As used in this section:

“Coach” means a person who instructs or trains members of a school athletic team, as identified by criteria established by the State Board of Education by rule.

“Qualified health care professional” means:

A physician licensed pursuant to ORS 677.100 to 677.228; or

A health care professional who meets the requirements described in ORS 336.490 to provide a medical release for a member of a school athletic team who is suspected of having a concussion.

Each school district shall ensure that coaches receive annual training to learn how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and how to seek proper medical treatment for a person who is suspected of having a concussion.

The board shall establish by rule:

The requirements of the training described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, which shall be provided by using community resources to the extent practicable; and

Timelines to ensure that, to the extent practicable, every coach receives the training described in paragraph (a) of this subsection before the beginning of the season for the school athletic team.

Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section:

A coach may not allow a member of a school athletic team to participate in any athletic event or training on the same day that the member:

Exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion following an observed or suspected blow to the head or body; or

Has been diagnosed with a concussion.

A coach may allow a member of a school athletic team who is prohibited from participating in an athletic event or training, as described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, to participate in an athletic event or training no sooner than the day after the member experienced a blow to the head or body and only after the member:

No longer exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion; and

Receives a medical release from a qualified health care professional.

A coach may allow a member of a school athletic team to participate in any athletic event or training at any time after an athletic trainer licensed by the Board of Athletic Trainers, or a physician licensed pursuant to ORS 677.100 to 677.228, determines that the member has not suffered a concussion. The athletic trainer or physician may, but is not required to, consult with a qualified health care professional in making the determination that the member of a school athletic team has not suffered a concussion.