RD53 - Report on the Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council – 2025

  • Published: 2026
  • Author: Advisory Council on Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome
  • Enabling Authority: Code of Virginia - § 32.1-73.10

Executive Summary:

The Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) Advisory Council (Council) is tasked by the Code of Virginia (§§ 32.1-73.9 through 32.1-73.11) to advise the Commissioner of Health on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education relating to PANDAS and PANS. The Council is required to report to the Governor and General Assembly each year by December 1st summarizing the activities and recommendations of the Council related to practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PANDAS and PANS; mechanisms to increase clinical awareness and education; outreach to educators and parents to increase awareness; and the development of a network of volunteer experts.

The Council held three public meetings from November 2024 through July 2025, for which the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) provided staff support. The Council also established three subcommittees. Each subcommittee met two times during this timeframe. Additional meetings are planned for both the Council and subcommittees before the end of the year. Recommendations from the Council are listed below.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Council developed the following recommendations based on public comments, presentations, and discussions from its meetings this year, as follows:

1. VDH should explore a partnership with a community organization or an academic institution to conduct a project that would assess the baseline knowledge of health care providers for the pediatric population (pediatricians, urgent care providers, emergency department providers, and current PANDAS/PANS providers). The goal would be to identify gaps in provider knowledge of PANDAS/PANS, as well as any gaps in screening and treatment standards for PANDAS/PANS.

2. Pilot a Center of Excellence for treating PANDAS/PANS and autoimmune encephalopathy (AE). This multi-disciplinary clinic, similar to the successful model of the VDH Pediatric Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers, would provide access to multiple specialists, such as psychiatrists, immunologists, occupational therapists (OT), physical therapists (PT), and social workers, who work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for those with PANDAS/PANS. The Center of Excellence could serve as a model for expansion throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

3. The Department of Health Professions (DHP) could investigate continuing education (CEU/CME) training on PANDAS/PANS as part of licensure requirements for specific providers interacting with the pediatric population. These may include DHP-licensed physicians, physician assistants, and/or nurse practitioners.

4. It is recommended that VDH increase public communications about PANDAS/PANS. This could include developing and deploying an initial public awareness campaign about PANDAS/PANS to target multiple stakeholders including providers, schools, and families. This could also include VDH enhancing the existing VDH PANDAS/PANS website to include improved accessibility and expanding to provide focused content, education, and resources relevant to different stakeholders (i.e. providers, schools, families).