SB181

This bill mandates that health benefit plans in Arkansas provide coverage for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy to treat pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS). The legislation establishes criteria for this coverage, requiring that a primary care physician consult with specific pediatric specialists—such as a psychiatrist and a neurologist, rheumatologist, or infectious disease physician—to determine the necessity of treatment under a patient-specific plan. It also repeals the existing Arkansas PANS/PANDAS Advisory Council. The bill directs the Insurance Commissioner to develop implementation rules and requires data reporting to the Childhood Post-infectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy Center of Excellence. Furthermore, it outlines an appeal process for coverage denials and includes provisions for adjusting requirements once the FDA approves IVIG for these specific conditions. An emergency clause is included to expedite the bill's effectiveness.