MA S805

Requires the Department of Public Health to establish a screening program for PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) in children, guided by a medical professional consortium's best practice standards.

Mandates physicians, child psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, and mental health counselors to screen pediatric patients for PANDAS/PANS at intervals and methods specified by department regulations.

Requires all licensed healthcare facilities serving children, including hospitals, clinics, and HMOs, to ensure patients receive PANDAS/PANS screening.

Expands insurance coverage under state employee plans, commercial insurers, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and HMOs to include screening in addition to existing treatment coverage for PANDAS/PANS.

Department of Public Health must promulgate working criteria and regulations within 180 days; provider screening requirements take effect 270 days after enactment.