Arkansas Code Title 23. Public Utilities and Regulated Industries § 23-79-1903. Arkansas PANS/PANDAS Advisory Council--Creation--Membership--Duties

(1) Two (2) members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(2) Two (2) members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;

(3) One (1) member who is a medical professional with two (2) years of professional experience working with PANS/PANDAS patients, appointed by the Governor;

(4) One (1) member who is a medical professional with two (2) years of professional experience working with PANS/PANDAS patients, appointed by the council;

(5) The Secretary of the Department of Health or his or her designee, serving as an ex officio nonvoting member;

(6) The Insurance Commissioner or his or her designee, serving as an ex officio nonvoting member;

(7) Three (3) members appointed by the Governor who are employed by a public school district, one (1) member to be a public school nurse, one (1) member to be a public school counselor, and one (1) member to be a public school teacher;

(8) One (1) member who is designated by the Arkansas Hospital Association, Inc.;

(9) One (1) member who is designated by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing;

(10) One (1) member who is designated by the Arkansas Pharmacist's Association;

(11) One (1) member who is designated by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology;

(12) Two (2) members who are parents, appointed by the Governor; and

(13) One (1) member who is designated by the Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association, Inc.

(b)(1) Upon appointment to the council, the initial members shall draw lots to determine the length of their terms.

(2) Appointments shall be for a term of four (4) years.

(3) Vacancies on the council shall be filled in the same manner as provided for the initial appointment.

(4) The new appointee shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(d)(1) The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint the Chair of the Arkansas PANS/PANDAS Advisory Council who shall be one (1) of the legislative members of the council.

(2) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint the Vice Chair of the Arkansas PANS/PANDAS Advisory Council who shall be one (1) of the legislative members of the council.

(e)(1) A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum.

(2) A majority vote of those members present shall be required for any action of the council.

(f)(1) The council shall meet as often as is deemed necessary by the chair.

(2) The council shall meet at the State Capitol Building in Little Rock, Arkansas.

(h)(1) The council shall receive staff support from the Bureau of Legislative Research.

(2) The council shall receive assistance from the Children's Postinfectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy Center of Excellence at the University of Arizona Steele Children's Research Center with the preparation of any reports required by this subchapter.

(1) Make recommendations designed to improve and increase knowledge and develop mechanisms to increase clinical awareness and treatment throughout the state for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, also known as “PANS”, and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, also known as “PANDAS”, especially for healthcare professionals;

(2) Operate along with the interdisciplinary panel on PANS/PANDAS at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to determine quarterly information, including case statistics, outcome measures, and other relevant information;

(3) Make recommendations concerning standard practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PANS/PANDAS for adult and pediatric patients who have been diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS;

(4) Provide outreach to educators and parents;

(5) Develop a network of volunteer experts on PANS/PANDAS to serve as resources within this state; and

(6) Consider any related topics associated with the council's charge.

(j)(1) The council shall report to the Senate Committee on Insurance and Commerce, the House Committee on Insurance and Commerce, the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, and the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, as requested.

(2) The report described in subdivision (j)(1) of this section shall be submitted to the Legislative Council for final review.