MA
Massachusetts Senate Bill S1266

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S1266

Introduced
2/16/23  
Refer
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to PANDAS/PANS

Impact

If passed, S1266 would significantly impact state laws relating to mental health and education. It would require state agencies to collaborate on a study that could lead to a better understanding of how autoimmune conditions influence pediatric mental health. This effort is expected to improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment approaches, ultimately enhancing the support available to affected children and their families. The bill represents a recognition of the complexities associated with diagnosing neuropsychiatric disorders linked to autoimmune responses.

Summary

Bill S1266 aims to address pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly PANDAS and PANS, by mandating a study conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and the Department of Education. The study seeks to understand the prevalence and causes of these disorders in pediatric settings, including psychiatric hospitals and therapeutic day schools. The Departments are tasked with utilizing established clinical criteria for diagnosis while consulting with relevant advisory councils and professionals to gather detailed reports on previously misdiagnosed cases.

Contention

One notable point of contention could emerge from the bill's reliance on certain clinical criteria developed by external consortiums and networks, which might be viewed differently by various stakeholders in the mental health and educational communities. Critics might argue that the focus on specific disorders might divert attention from the broader issues facing pediatric mental health. Furthermore, the requirement for interviews and studies may raise concerns about privacy and the willingness of families to participate based on past misdiagnosis experiences.

Companion Bills

MA H3920

Similar To Relative to PANDAS/PANS screening in medical/clinical settings

MA H1975

Replaced by Relative to PANDAS/PANS

Previously Filed As

MA S1415

Relative to PANDAS/PANS

MA H1975

Relative to PANDAS/PANS

MA S805

Relative to PANDAS/PANS screening in medical/clinical settings

MA H3920

Relative to PANDAS/PANS screening in medical/clinical settings

MA H1249

Relative to PANDAS/PANS screening in medical/clinical settings

MA AB907

Coverage for PANDAS and PANS.

MA HB359

Require health plan issuers and Medicaid to cover PANDAS, PANS

MA HB142

Require health plan issuers and Medicaid to cover PANDAS, PANS

MA AB2105

Coverage for PANDAS and PANS.

MA HB513

Medical assistance services and health insurance; state plan for payment for PANDAS and PANS.

Similar Bills

WV SB615

Requiring certain health insurance providers cover treatment for certain pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders

MI SB0447

Insurance: insurers; coverage for certain pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders; require. Amends 1956 of 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406pp.

MI SB1030

Insurance: insurers; coverage for certain pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders; require. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406pp.

RI H5625

Removes the sunset provision of all statutory law requiring coverage for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

RI H8171

Removes the sunset provision of all statutory law requiring coverage for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

RI H5256

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

RI S0024

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

RI S2076

Removes the sunset provision of all statutory law requiring coverage for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.