An Act relative to PANDAS/PANS

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and the Department of Education to conduct a study on pediatric and adolescent psychiatric hospital settings and therapeutic day schools. The study aims to identify how many children in these facilities have conditions known as PANDAS or PANS, which are linked to autoimmune responses triggered by strep infections. To carry out this investigation, the departments must use specific clinical criteria from the PANS/PANDAS Consortium and interview families of children who were previously misdiagnosed. The final report, due by December 31, 2023, will be shared with various state committees and councils to inform future policy and care approaches.