The Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) advisory council is established in the Code of Virginia [§ 32.1-73.9] to advise the Commissioner of Health on research, diagnosis, treatment and education relating to PANDAS and PANS. The advisory council is required to report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1st of each year recommendations related to the following:

1. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PANDAS and PANS

2. Mechanisms to increase clinical awareness and education

3. Outreach to educators and parents to increase awareness

4. Development of a network of volunteer experts

Pursuant to § 32.1-73.9 and the 2020 Appropriations Act, the Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) advisory council, which was set to sunset July 1, 2020, is continued until June 30, 2022.

Council members have been appointed as outlined in the law. One advisory council meeting was held in calendar year 2020. The meeting was held virtually on November 13, 2020, and efforts are underway to outline a two-year work plan to accomplish the goals of the council. No other advisory council activities occurred since submission of the 2019 annual report. This document includes the approved meeting minutes from the November 2019 advisory council meeting.