NBA reveals new concussion policy

New York, NY – The National Basketball Association announced its new policy regarding concussions on Monday.

Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, who is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Michigan as well as the chair of the section of sports neurology for the American Academy of Neurology, has been tabbed as the head of the NBA concussion program.

The new program includes: annual education and training for players, coaches and team medical personnel regarding their specific roles on the club and consistent with current scientific research; yearly baseline testing of all players which includes a neurological examination and a computer-based cognitive assessment tool; customized assessments and multi-stage protocol for determining when a player is healthy enough to return to action, as well as documentation and analysis of all data related to the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of all concussion diagnoses.

In addition, Dr. Kutcher will be consulted regarding all return-to-play decisions.