An Act relative to PANDAS/PANS screening in medical/clinical settings
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill requires medical and clinical settings in Massachusetts to screen children for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). It mandates the Department of Public Health to establish a screening program, develop specific criteria for diagnosis, and requires healthcare professionals and facilities to implement these screenings. The bill also updates several existing chapters of the General Laws to include PANDAS/PANS screening.
Key provisions
- Establishes a state program for screening children for PANDAS and PANS.
- Requires the Department of Public Health to develop screening criteria and regulations.
- Mandates screening by physicians, child psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors.
- Requires healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, and health maintenance organizations) to ensure PANDAS/PANS screening for their patients.
- Updates several chapters of the General Laws to include PANDAS/PANS screening requirements.
- Sets a timeline for the Department of Public Health to promulgate regulations.
- Defines specific criteria for identifying PANS and PANDAS.
- Specifies that symptoms should not be attributed to known neurological or medical disorders.
Who is affected
- Children
- Physicians
- Child Psychiatrists
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
Kathleen R. LaNatra
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