(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
(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.