Reference is to the bill as introduced.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking the bill in its entirety after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. Chapter 1, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 44-1-320.
(A) There is established an advisory
council on pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome
(PANS) and its subset, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric
disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS), to
advise the Department of Health and Environmental Control on
research, diagnosis, treatment, and education relating to the
syndrome and disorder.
(B) The advisory
council shall consist of the following members who, except as
otherwise provided, must be appointed by the director of the
department:
(1)
a representative of a nonprofit pediatric acute-onset
neuropsychiatric syndrome advocacy organization;
(2)
a representative of a professional organization for school
psychologists or school social workers organized under the laws
of this State;
(3)
a representative of a professional organization for school
nurses organized under the laws of this State;
(4)
a family practice physician licensed and practicing in
this State who has experience treating persons with pediatric
acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome;
(5)
a pediatrician licensed and practicing in this State who
has experience treating persons with pediatric acute-onset
neuropsychiatric syndrome;
(6)
a child psychiatrist licensed and practicing in this State
who has experience treating persons with pediatric acute-onset
neuropsychiatric syndrome;
(7)
a representative of the National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI), with training on teaching classes on mental
health management, 'NAMI Ending the Silence', or support group
facilitation;
(8)
a parent with a child who has been diagnosed with
pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome;
(9)
a representative of the State Board of Education with
experience in special education;
(10)
one member of the House of Representatives, appointed by
the Chairman of the House Medical, Military, Public and
Municipal Affairs Committee;
(11)
one member of the Senate, appointed by the Chairman of the
Senate Medical Affairs Committee; and
(12)
the director of the department, or a designee, who shall
be an ex-officio, nonvoting member and shall attend all meetings
of the advisory council.
(C) Any member of the
advisory council appointed pursuant to this section may be a
member of the General Assembly. Appointed members shall serve
for a period of two years and until their successor is
appointed. The members shall elect a chairperson and vice
chairperson from among the membership. The department shall
provide staff support for the advisory council to perform their
duties.
(D) Members of the
advisory council may not receive compensation, but are entitled
to mileage, subsistence, and per diem as allowed by law for
members of state boards, committees, and commissions.
(E) The director of the
department shall schedule the first meeting of the advisory
council, which must be held no later than ninety days after the
effective date of this act. A majority of the voting council
members constitutes a quorum. A majority of the quorum is
required for any official action of the advisory council. The
advisory council shall meet upon the call of the chairperson and
at the request of a majority of the members of the advisory
council; provided, the advisory council shall meet at least four
times per year.
(F) No later than July
1, 2020, and annually thereafter, the advisory council shall
issue a report to the General Assembly with recommendations
concerning:
(1)
up-to-date practice guidelines for the diagnosis and
treatment of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome
(PANS) and its subset, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric
disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS);
(2)
mechanisms to increase clinical awareness and education
regarding the syndrome and disorder among physicians, including
pediatricians, school-based health centers, and providers of
mental health services;
(3)
outreach to educators and parents to increase awareness of
the syndrome and disorder; and
(4)
development of a network of volunteer experts on the
diagnosis and treatment of the syndrome and disorder to assist
in education and outreach.
(G) The advisory
council must be dissolved two years after the effective date of
this act."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.