HR778: HR778 PANDAS Awareness Day at the state capitol; October 9, 2025; recognize

This resolution addresses PANS and PANDAS, conditions in which children suddenly develop obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms, anxiety, tics, and behavioral changes, sometimes linked to strep infections. The resolution cites estimates that about one in 200 children have these conditions, meaning roughly 15,000 children in Georgia may be affected, and notes that many pediatricians are unfamiliar with current diagnostic and treatment guidelines while many insurers do not cover treatment. The resolution formally recognizes October 9, 2025, as PANDAS Awareness Day at the state capitol. It also directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and the press. The resolution does not create new funding, insurance mandates, or regulations; it is a symbolic statement by the House of Representatives.

• Formally recognizes October 9, 2025, as PANDAS Awareness Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for public and press distribution.
• Cites findings from a 2019 House PANS Study Committee Report about insurance coverage, provider training, and public health surveillance gaps, without enacting new policy.
• Creates no new funding, insurance requirements, or legal obligations; it is a commemorative statement rather than a change to Georgia law.

Children with PANS or PANDAS and their families in Georgia, pediatricians and other medical providers who diagnose and treat these conditions, insurers, and organizations such as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the Southeastern PANS/PANDAS Association named in the resolution.

While the resolution makes no legal changes, it puts a spotlight on a condition the text says affects roughly 15,000 Georgia children, many of whom face providers unfamiliar with current treatment guidance and insurers who do not cover costly care, potentially raising public and legislative attention.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe PANS and PANDAS symptoms, estimated prevalence (about one in 200 children, roughly 15,000 in Georgia), and gaps in provider knowledge and insurance coverage.
• It references the 2019 PANS Study Committee Report's policy goals on insurance coverage, provider training, and public health surveillance.
• The resolving clause designates October 9, 2025, as PANDAS Awareness Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-27House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-27House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-27House Hopper (House)

• Karen Bennett (D, HD-094)Primary sponsor
• Mitchell Scoggins (R, HD-014)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Debra Bazemore (D, HD-069)
• Karla Drenner (D, HD-085)

• PANDAS awareness
• pediatric health
• childhood mental health
• insurance coverage
• medical research