HB 5036 Summary

• Creates an advisory council on pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) within the department, consisting of 15 members appointed by the director including immunologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, researchers, and parents of affected children.

• Establishes council member terms of 4 years with staggered initial appointments (5 members for 1 year, 5 for 2 years, 5 for 3 years) and requires the director or designee to serve as a non-voting ex officio member.

• Requires council meetings to comply with the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act, with a majority of members constituting a quorum and a majority vote required for official action.

• Mandates the advisory council submit annual reports to the legislature beginning January 1, 2019, with recommendations on practice guidelines, clinical awareness education, outreach to educators and parents, and development of expert networks for PANDAS and pediatric acute neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) diagnosis and treatment.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment, with council members to be appointed within 60 days and the first meeting called within 90 days of the effective date.