Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council

The Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) Advisory Council was established by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 119A.

According to Stanford Medicine, PANS is a clinical diagnosis given to children who have a dramatic onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder or an eating disorder with at least two other cognitive, behavioral or neurological symptoms.

A PANS diagnosis is based on an analysis of the child’s medical history, current symptoms, and a physical examination. PANS interferes with children’s ability to learn in school and, if left untreated, can negatively affect their quality of life.

Symptoms typically appear following an infection or other inflammatory reaction. According to the Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) Network, an estimated 1 in 200 children are affected by PANS.

The purpose of the PANS Advisory Council is to advise the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Legislature on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education related to PANS.

The Council files an annual written report to the governor, legislature and commission by September 1 of each year that includes recommendations on:

  • Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PANS.
  • Increasing clinical awareness and education regarding PANS among physicians, including pediatricians, school-based health centers and mental health care providers.
  • Outreach strategies to increase educators' and parents' awareness of PANS.
  • Developing a network of volunteer experts on the diagnosis and treatment of PANS to assist in the delivery of education and outreach.

Members

  • Joel B. Brock D.N.P., Researcher, Dallas
  • Kara S. Chasteen, Parent, Bertram
  • Mark S. Edwards, M.D., Licensed Health Care Provider, Sonora
  • Summer B. Gainey, Ph.D., Autism Advocacy, Anderson
  • Sarah Rosen Garrett, Licensed Social Worker, Spicewood
  • Suzanne K. Gazda M.D., Licensed Health Care Provider, San Antonio
  • Qazi U. Javed M.D, Child Psychiatrist, Austin
  • Paula J. Kruppstadt M.D., Pediatrician, Woodlands
  • Larry Lewellyn M.D., HHS Ex Officio, Austin
  • Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D., Psychologist, Houston
  • Honorable Candy Noble, Texas House of Representatives, Lucas
  • Amy L. Offutt M.D., Licensed Health Care Provider, Marble Falls
  • Nathan Pullen, Texas Education Agency representative, Austin
  • Martha Shoultz, Advocate, Dallas
  • Barry Smeltzer, MPAS, PA-C FAAEM, Licensed Health Care Provider, Boerne
  • Melissa Smith, School Nurse, Bushland
  • Honorable Terry Wilson, Texas House of Representatives, Marble Falls
  • Vacant, Texas State Senator
  • Vacant, Texas State Senator

Meeting Dates

  • February 11, 2025
  • May 13, 2025
  • August 12, 2025
  • November 4, 2025

These meeting dates are tentative and are subject to change.

Materials for Download or Order

The PANS Council, in collaboration with HHSC, developed educational materials you can download below. You can order these items at no cost through the HHSC Forms and Print Catalog.

The Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome flyers are quick guides to learn about PANS symptoms, statistics and treatment:

For More Information

To contact us, email HHSC PANS.

Resources

Reports & Presentations

Note: These files are in PDF format unless otherwise noted.