MDPH Sports Concussion Regulations

Training Requirement for Clinicians from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)
 
The MDPH Head Injuries and Concussions in Extracurricular Activities regulations provide procedures for persons involved in the prevention, training and management regarding students who incur head injuries while involved in extracurricular sports in order to protect their health and safety.  These regulations apply to public middle and high schools serving grade 6 through high school graduation and other schools subject to the official rules of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. The regulations require that physicians, nurse practitioners, certified athletic trainers, physician assistants and neuropsychologists providing medical clearance for return to play shall verify that they have received Department-approved training in traumatic head injury assessment and management or have received equivalent training as part of their licensure or continuing education. MDPH has developed a Medical Clearance and Authorization Form to include an affirmation that the clinician providing clearance has taken this approved MDPH Clinical Training. 
 
Options for the MDPH-approved clinical training can be found at www.mass.gov/dph/sportsconcussion under the heading “MDPH Approved Clinical Training”. One of these training options is the CDC on-line Clinician Training which takes less than 1 hour to complete.  Also the MDPH Medical Clearance and Authorization form can be found at www.mass.gov/dph/sportsconcussion under the heading “Recent Regulations on Head Injuries and Concussions in Extracurricular Athletic Activities”.
 
For more information about the Department of Public Health's policies about sports related concussions go to www.mass.gov/dph/sportsconcussion and you can contact Linda Brown at linda.brown@state.ma.us.