HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 147

(By Delegates Hill, Pack and Graves)

[Introduced March 7, 2020]

Requesting a study to expand research on the effects of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal infections and the overall impact on children in West Virginia.

Whereas, Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) create the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children, causing previously healthy and emotionally adjusted children to experience severe anxiety and emotional disturbances; and

Whereas, Children with PANS and PANDAS tend to manifest some of the following symptoms: tics or other abnormal movements, severe separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, irritability, aggression, personality changes, ADHD, marked deterioration in learning and school performance and developmental regression (including deterioration in handwriting); and

Whereas, Children with PANS or PANDAS may experience moderate to dramatic improvement with antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin treatment or plasmapheresis; and

Whereas, Despite a wealth of recent studies and third-party research with regards to PANS and PANDAS, many doctors do not recognize these conditions and often, children affected with the debilitating syndrome are left struggling in medical crisis; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

To expand research on the effects of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal infections and the overall impact on children in West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular session, 2021, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.