Arkansas Code Title 20. Public Health and Welfare § 20-77-142. Off-label use of drug treatment to treat pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection

(1) Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, also known as “PANS”, is a clinically defined disorder characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or eating restrictions, accompanied by two (2) or more symptoms of acute behavioral deterioration or motor and sensory changes, or both;

(2) Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, also known as “PANDAS”, is a term used to describe a subset of symptoms affecting children and adolescents within the broader PANS classification;

(3) Other state Medicaid programs provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments to treat pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections; and

(4) However, the Arkansas Medicaid Program does not provide coverage for off-label use of drug treatments, to treat Medicaid beneficiaries who are diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections.