Ark. Code Ann. § 20-77-142: Off-label use of drug treatment to treat pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection

(a) The General Assembly finds that: (1) Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, also known as "PANS", is a clinically defined disorder characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or eating restrictions, accompanied by two (2) or more symptoms of acute behavioral deterioration or motor and sensory changes, or both; (2) Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, also known as "PANDAS", is a term used to describe a subset of symptoms affecting children and adolescents within the broader PANS classification; (3) Other state Medicaid programs provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments to treat pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections; and (4) However, the Arkansas Medicaid Program does not provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments, to treat Medicaid beneficiaries who are diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. (b) The Arkansas Medicaid Program shall provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments, including without limitation intravenous immunoglobulin, also known as "IVIG", to treat Medicaid beneficiaries who are diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, or both, under a treatment plan established by the Childhood Post-infectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy Clinic in Arkansas. (c) The Department of Human Services shall apply for any federal waiver, state plan amendment, or other authorization necessary to implement this section. Added by Act 2021, No. 637,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

(a) The General Assembly finds that: (1) Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, also known as "PANS", is a clinically defined disorder characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or eating restrictions, accompanied by two (2) or more symptoms of acute behavioral deterioration or motor and sensory changes, or both; (2) Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, also known as "PANDAS", is a term used to describe a subset of symptoms affecting children and adolescents within the broader PANS classification; (3) Other state Medicaid programs provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments to treat pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections; and (4) However, the Arkansas Medicaid Program does not provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments, to treat Medicaid beneficiaries who are diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections.

(1) Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, also known as "PANS", is a clinically defined disorder characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or eating restrictions, accompanied by two (2) or more symptoms of acute behavioral deterioration or motor and sensory changes, or both;

(2) Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, also known as "PANDAS", is a term used to describe a subset of symptoms affecting children and adolescents within the broader PANS classification;

(3) Other state Medicaid programs provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments to treat pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections; and

fections, also known as "PANDAS", is a term used to describe a subset of symptoms affecting children and adolescents within the broader PANS classification;

(3) Other state Medicaid programs provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments to treat pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections; and

(4) However, the Arkansas Medicaid Program does not provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments, to treat Medicaid beneficiaries who are diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections.

(b) The Arkansas Medicaid Program shall provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments, including without limitation intravenous immunoglobulin, also known as "IVIG", to treat Medicaid beneficiaries who are diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, or both, under a treatment plan established by the Childhood Post-infectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy Clinic in Arkansas.

(c) The Department of Human Services shall apply for any federal waiver, state plan amendment, or other authorization necessary to implement this section.