Information on concussion and traumatic brain injury among public safety officers

Part J of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280b et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 393D of such Act the following:

393E.

Information on concussion and traumatic brain injury among public safety officers

(a)

In general

The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall collect and make publicly available information on concussion and traumatic brain injury among public safety officers, including research related to evidence-based practices and personal protective equipment recommendations, and medical information related to diagnosing, protocols for identifying and treating, and measures for reducing the incidence of concussion and traumatic brain injury among public safety officers.(b)

Dissemination of information

(1)

In general

For purposes of making information available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—(A)update the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to traumatic brain injury; and (B)develop other means to disseminate such information to—(i)medical professionals and public health professionals, to improve care and treatment services provided to public safety officers suffering from concussion or traumatic brain injury;(ii)public safety employers and employee representatives, to improve strategies and practices to reduce the incidence of concussion and traumatic brain injury resulting from firefighting, fire protection, law enforcement, and other public safety activities;(iii)mental health professionals, to develop a better understanding of the link between concussion and traumatic brain injury and conditions such as trauma and stress related disorders, mood disorders, and suicidal ideations; (iv)patients and their families, to improve awareness of health care specialists in the area of concussion and traumatic brain injury, and to improve patient understanding of the effects of concussion and traumatic brain injury; and(v)institutions of higher education, including medical schools and schools of public health, and other researchers.(2)

Consultation

In developing the website under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with the individuals and entities described in clauses (i) through (v) of paragraph (1)(B) to ensure that information collected and disseminated best meets the needs of the public safety community in terms of content, quality, and utility.(3)

Additional dissemination activities

The Secretary may disseminate information described in subsection (a) through arrangements with nonprofit organizations, labor organizations and employee representatives, other governmental organizations or entities, and the media.(c)

Authorized activities

In carrying out this section, the Secretary may support public and private efforts to identify and create model guidelines, protocols, and evidence-based practices to treat concussion and traumatic brain injury in public safety officers, including through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. (d)

Definition

In this section, the term public safety officer has the meaning given such term in section 1204 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.