Bill > H1249

This bill establishes a comprehensive screening program for two specific pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders: PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). The legislation requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create a screening program based on recommendations from a medical professional consortium, with detailed criteria for identifying these disorders. The bill mandates that various healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors, screen patients for PANDAS/PANS at specified intervals using approved methods. Additionally, healthcare facilities serving children must ensure patients receive these screenings. The bill also amends several existing laws related to health insurance and medical services to include language about screening for these disorders. The Department of Public Health is required to develop working criteria and implement regulations within 180 days, with the screening requirements taking effect 270 days after the act's effective date. The screening criteria include specific neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, emotional changes, behavioral regression, and other neurological and somatic signs, while ensuring these symptoms are not better explained by other known medical conditions.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1249