Ark. Code Ann. § 23-79-1901: Findings

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 disorder associated with streptococcal infections, also known as "PANDAS", is a term used to describe a subset of children and adolescents within the broader PANS classification;

(3) Some insurance companies are currently providing disparate insurance coverage for the treatment of PANS and PANDAS, including the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Medicaid, and some insurance companies that serve the interests of Arkansans; and

(4) However, not all insurance providers in Arkansas provide coverage or sufficient coverage for PANS and PANDAS, and those insurance companies that do should be consistent in coverage of treatment of PANS and PANDAS.