MA S1415

Department of Mental Health and Department of Education must jointly study pediatric and adolescent psychiatric hospitals and therapeutic day schools to identify children with undiagnosed or known PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome)

Study must use clinical criteria from the PANS/PANDAS Consortium and PANDAS Physicians Network, and include interviews with families whose children were previously misdiagnosed

Departments must consult with the Department of Public Health's PANDAS/PANS Advisory Council and professionals working in psychiatric hospital settings and therapeutic day schools

Study findings must identify the prevalence of PANDAS/PANS in these settings and report outcomes for children and families who experienced misdiagnosis

Final report due to Joint Committees on Public Health and Mental Health, Department of Public Health, PANDAS/PANS Advisory Council, and legislative clerks by December 31, 2026