AAPM&R Encourages Passage of Lystedt Concussion Law in All States

SEATTLE, Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) today announced its full support that Washington State's Zackery Lystedt Law be passed in every state to protect young athletes.  The law requires medical clearance before any youth suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury be permitted to return to practice or competition.  The announcement was made at the AAPM&R 71st Annual Assembly held Saturday at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle. Over 2000 physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians are in attendance.

"It is important for all of our members to rally around this issue, which will save lives and reduce life-altering injury at little to no cost," said Elizabeth M. Sandel, MD, AAPM&R President. The Academy will be providing resources for its members to advocate for the core principles of the Lystedt Law in their home states.

The Zackery Lystedt Law:

• Requires all school districts to work with their sports rule making body (in Washington it was the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) to develop guidelines and informational forms to educate school administrators, coaches, youth athletes, and their parents of the nature and risk of concussion and head injury.
• Requires an information sheet about sports concussions be signed by youth athletes and their parents or guardians.
• Requires that a youth athlete who is "suspected of sustaining" a concussion or head injury be removed from play at the time of the suspected concussion. "When in doubt, sit them out".
• Requires that a youth athlete who has been removed from play receive written clearance prior to returning to play from a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.
• Requires private, nonprofit youth sports associations who use public lands, such as school property and parks to be in compliance with the concussion and head injury policies noted above.

AAPM&R is the national medical specialty society of more than 8,000 physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, also called physiatrists. Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, brain and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move.

Contact: Joanne Constantine, 847-737-6014

SOURCE American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation