HR 778: PANDAS Awareness Day at the state capitol; October 9, 2025; recognize

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It formally recognizes October 9, 2025, as PANDAS Awareness Day at the state capitol, drawing attention to pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS), conditions that can cause sudden severe anxiety, tics, and behavioral changes in children. The resolution cites a 2019 House study committee report and estimates that the conditions affect roughly 15,000 children in Georgia. It notes that many pediatricians are unfamiliar with current diagnostic and treatment guidelines and that many insurers do not cover treatment, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies to the public and press.

• Designates October 9, 2025, as PANDAS Awareness Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Recites findings about the prevalence, symptoms, and treatment gaps for PANS and PANDAS in Georgia children, without creating any new legal requirement or funding.

Families and children affected by PANS or PANDAS in Georgia, pediatric health care providers and researchers, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Southeastern PANS/PANDAS Association, and members of the House of Representatives who are marking the awareness day.

While the resolution creates no new insurance mandate or funding, it publicly highlights that many Georgia insurers do not cover PANS or PANDAS treatment and that many pediatric providers lack training on diagnosis, which could shape future legislative attention to these gaps.

• The resolving clause recognizes October 9, 2025, as PANDAS Awareness Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolution clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available for public and press distribution.
• Whereas clauses reference the 2019 PANS Study Committee Report's policy goals on insurance coverage, provider training, and public health surveillance, but the resolution itself does not enact any of these goals.

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-94)Primary sponsor
• Mitchell Scoggins (R, HD-14)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Debra Bazemore (D, HD-69)
• Karla Drenner (D, HD-85)

• PANDAS awareness
• pediatric health
• children's mental health
• insurance coverage
• state capitol recognitions