PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island State Senate Tuesday, May 9, passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Valarie Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) to make permanent a pilot program approved last year that requires insurance coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric syndrome.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, children may be diagnosed with pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) when obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tic disorder or both suddenly appear following a streptococcal (strep) infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever.

The symptoms are usually dramatic, happen “overnight and out of the blue,” and can include motor or vocal tics or both and obsessions, compulsions or both. In addition to these symptoms, children may become moody or irritable, experience anxiety attacks, or show concerns about separating from parents or loved ones.

“We have already seen this pilot program work. It’s time to make it permanent so families have that peace of mind,” Lawson said. “The stress and uncertainty that arises with PANDAS can be extremely challenging for children and their families. We need to do our part to support them.”

In 2022, the General Assembly passed and the governor signed legislation (2022-S 2203B, 2022-H 7503Baa) to require insurance coverage for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. This requirement, however, is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Senator Lawson’s legislation (2023 S-0024) would make it permanent.

The bill now heads to the House where another of the city's Assembly delegation Rep. Matthew S. Dawson (D- Dist. 65, East Providence) has introduced companion legislation (2023-H 5256).

In addition, Lawson is among the Senate co-sponsors of a bill ((2023-S 0068) to make access to school lunches universal.

The bill reads in part, "All public elementary and secondary schools shall be required to make type A lunches available to students attending those schools in accordance with rules and regulations adopted from time to time by the department of elementary and secondary education. To the extent that federal, state, and other funds are available, free and reduced price type A lunches shall be provided to all and students."

Lawson and her fellow sponsors Sandra Cano and Jonathon Acosta wrote about the bill, "Universal free school lunch is the solution to this serious problem, which is why the we have been introducing legislation to provide universal free school lunch since before the pandemic.

"Study after study has shown the tremendous health, social and educational benefits that come with having universal free school lunch. Academic performance, better physical and mental health, social cohesion – all of these important metrics rise significantly when universal free school lunch is offered. The data is there and it is overwhelmingly clear."