SB212 Summary

• Creates the Arkansas PANS/PANDAS Advisory Council consisting of 21 members including legislators, medical professionals, school employees, representatives from healthcare organizations, and parents.

• Council chair appointed by Senate President Pro Tempore and vice chair appointed by House Speaker, both from legislative membership; members serve 4-year terms with majority vote required for council actions.

• Council duties include making recommendations to improve clinical awareness and treatment of PANS and PANDAS, operating with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences interdisciplinary panel, developing practice guidelines, and providing outreach to educators and parents.

• Council must report findings to Senate and House Committees on Insurance and Commerce and Public Health, Welfare, and Labor as requested, with reports submitted to Legislative Council for final review.

• Subchapter expires December 31, 2023, unless extended by General Assembly; members must be appointed by May 1, 2021; emergency clause enacted due to COVID-19 pandemic limiting council's previous work efforts.