Concussion, prescription bills go to governor

The Senate on Thursday morning accepted House amendments and re-passed the concussion awareness bill and the measure allowing school districts to adopt their own policies for student self-administration of prescription drugs.

The Associated Press reported later in the day that Hickenlooper said he would sign the concussion bill.

Senate Bill 11-040, the concussion measure, received final passage on a 35-7 vote. Senate Bill 11-012 passed 32-0. Both now go to Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Here are the key provisions of each measure:

SB 11-040, called the Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act after a high school athlete who died of head injuries in 2004.

  • The law applies to organized, competitive athletic activities for youth aged 11 to 18 but doesn’t apply to college athletics of any type.
  • Every middle school, high school, recreation district and club coach shall take annual training in concussion recognition.
  • Youths suspected of having suffered concussions are to be removed immediately from games and practices and parents notified.
  • Athletes can’t be returned to play until cleared by a physician, osteopath, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or psychologist with special training. Specially trained chiropractors can clear athletes who are part of the U.S. Olympic training program.
  • Athletic trainers are allowed to supervise an athlete’s return to play after clearance.
  • The bill contains no enforcement or reporting requirements.
  • The effective date is Jan. 1, 2012.

SB 11-012

  • School boards may adopt their own policies for student self-administration of prescription drugs instead of using existing state law.
  • Individual district policies can include some limitations on self-administration and may require parents to provide supplies of medication that the school can use in emergencies.
  • Students would be able to carry medicine sufficient for one day or one school event.
  • Medical marijuana is excluded.
  • Parents in such districts have to notify school officials of student medical needs and plans to self-administer.

In other action

The House Thursday gave preliminary approval to Senate Bill 11-100, which continues the existence of the Council of Higher Education Representatives, the body that reviews college general education classes and determines which ones are eligible for credit transfer between institutions.

The council had been scheduled for expiration under the state’s sunset law. The bill removes student members from the council but requires the body to establish a new process for consulting with student groups.

Use the Education Bill Tracker for links to bill texts and status information