Massachusetts Legislation and Advocacy

The JBC Foundation co-executive director, Jennifer Vitelli, played a vital role in the enacting of the PANDAS/PANS insurance mandate and the establishment of a permanent Department of Public Health (DPH) PANDAS/PANS Advisory Council in Massachusetts. 

Jennifer, along with Sheilah Gauch, created and co-led the Massachusetts Coalition for PANDAS/PANS Legislation. Together, they spearheaded a grassroots effort of historical advocacy. At warp speed, both bills moved through all the appropriate committees at the State House and were unanimously favorably voted by the House and Senate. On January 1, 2021, Governor Baker signed into law the healthcare bill, now known as An Act Promoting a Resilient Health Care System That Puts Patients First. The new law (Chapter 260 of the Acts of 2020) instituted the insurance mandate for PANDAS/PANS medical coverage and set up the permanent DPH PANDAS/PANS Advisory Council.

Massachusetts is the first state in the country to simultaneously pass the insurance mandate and DPH PANDAS/PANS Advisory Council. Jennifer is currently a member and co-facilitator of the Advisory Council. For more information, please visit their website.

 

2023 ~ MASSACHUSETTS IS THE FIRST STATE IN THE COUNTRY TO FILE MANDATORY PANS/PANDAS SCREENING BILL

H. 3920 POINT PAPER

H.3920 is a historical piece of legislation that seeks to ensure that all medical and clinical settings implement appropriate screening protocols for early detection of PANDAS/PANS. By identifying these neuropsychiatric disorders early on, we can improve patient outcomes and quality of life through correct diagnosis and treatment.

Journey of the PANS/PANDAS Insurance Bill to Becoming the Law

Below are some highlights of the MA Coalition efforts to pass the PANS/PANDAS Law and establish the Advisory Council. Click on the link to read or view the item. 

 

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