ATLANTA (AP) — Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a bill into law aimed at protecting the state's youth from concussion-related injuries.

Deal stressed the importance of the "Return to Play Act" during a ceremony Tuesday at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Scottish Rite hospital.

Deal says the bill is designed to educate parents, athletes and coaches on the risk of concussions and require those youth who are injured to receive medical attention. The bill also mandates a trained medical professional provide clearance for any athlete who suffered a concussion before returning to play.

Georgia joins 43 states with similar laws. Government estimates show that hospitals treat some 173,000 traumatic brain injuries among youth that are connected to sports and recreation activities each year.

Later Tuesday, Deal was expected to sign a boating safety bill.