An Act relative to PANDAS/PANS screening in medical/clinical settings

This bill requires Massachusetts health care providers and facilities serving children to screen patients for PANDAS and PANS, which are conditions involving sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms potentially linked to streptococcal infections. The legislation mandates that the Department of Public Health create a specific set of criteria for identifying these disorders and establish best practice standards for diagnosis and treatment based on evidence of positive patient outcomes. Health professionals, including physicians, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors, must follow these new guidelines when evaluating pediatric patients, while hospitals and clinics are required to ensure their patients receive these screenings. The Department of Public Health is given 180 days to develop the necessary regulations, with the screening requirements taking effect 270 days after the bill becomes law.