Relates to insurance coverage for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome

• Democratic8
• Republican6

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Pete Harckham says this is needed

Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is a misdirected immune response, often with an encephalitic onset, which negatively affects neurologic functioning, resulting in a rapid, acute onset of OCD, restricted food intake or tics along with other neuropsychiatric conditions. Treating PANS must be carried out thoroughly to yield posi- tive results. Symptoms often begin to improve within one week of antibiotic treatment. However, further interventions are often required to fully heal the underlying causes and alleviate all the symptoms. If treated promptly and thoroughly, symptoms can remit completely. If left untreated and symptoms persist, permanent neurological injury can occur. Currently insurance providers do not cover costs associated with pedia- tric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome which can cause a huge finan- cial burden for families living with this diagnosis. One of the most expensive treatments is an Intravenous Immunoglobulin or IVIG, which is widely accepted as a treatment for PANS, along with long term antibiotic regiments that families currently have to pay for out of pocket. This bill would help to relieve this burden and give these families a resource to treat the syndrome.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.