PANS/PANDAS, two acronyms that were once overshadowed by the medical community, have now gained nationwide attention. Empirical research from renowned institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, Columbia, and Stanford has confirmed the effectiveness of IVIG as a critical second-tier treatment for PANS/PANDAS. However, despite the success of this treatment, thousands of children in California diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS have been denied coverage for this life-changing medical intervention.

This denial of coverage is alarming given that many children are misdiagnosed as OCD, ODD, bi-polar, schizophrenia, or other behavioral health conditions. This misdiagnosis is overburdening our state's mental health resources. With the proposed PANS/PANDAS legislation, children will be evaluated for infections that may have crossed the blood-brain barrier, leading to an inflammatory response in the basal ganglia. In fact, 90 percent of PANS/PANDAS cases can be treated with first-tier treatment, including antimicrobials, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids.

However, an estimated 5-10 percent of PANS/PANDAS cases will require IVIG and other second-tier treatments for recovery. It is time for California to follow the lead of twelve other states by passing a PANS/PANDAS healthcare law. This will ensure that children with these debilitating conditions can receive the treatment they need and deserve, without being denied coverage due to lack of recognition. It is our responsibility to provide access to the best possible care for all our children, regardless of their medical conditions.

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See the states with coverage down below.