Washington HB2196: PANDAS, pediatric treatment

What the bill says

An act Relating to expanding access to treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome; and adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW. NEW SECTION.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT Relating to expanding access to treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome; and adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 48.43 RCW to read as follows: (1)(a) For nongrandfathered group health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, health carriers shall provide coverage for the prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. Coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome must include, but is not limited to, antibiotics, medication and psychological and behavioral therapies to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. (b) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, health carriers must cover three initial monthly immunomodulatory courses of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, and subsequent courses as deemed medically necessary by the treating provider, when the following conditions are met: (i) Clinically appropriate trials, which may be done concurrently, if two less intensive (B) Were not tolerated; or (C) Did not result in sustained improvement in symptoms, as measured by a lack …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Tarra Simmons (D) · primary sponsor
• Sam Low (R)
• Leavitt, Mari (D)
• Dave Paul (D)
• Greg Nance (D)
• Davina Duerr (D)
• Monica Stonier (D)
• Travis Couture (R)
• Lauren Davis (D)
• David Stuebe (R)
• Debra Lekanoff (D)

Latest actions

1. March 12, 2026: By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.
2. February 18, 2026: First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.
3. February 16, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 83; nays, 13; absent, 0; excused, 2.
4. February 16, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
5. February 16, 2026: Floor amendment
6. February 16, 2026: 1st substitute bill substituted
7. February 14, 2026: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
8. February 4, 2026: Referred to Rules 2 Review.
9. February 3, 2026: Minority; without recommendation.
10. February 3, 2026: Minority; do not pass.

Votes

• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 16, 2026): 83 yea, 13 nay, passed
• House Committee on Health Care & Wellness: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (February 3, 2026): 15 yea, 1 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB2196?

HB2196 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): PANDAS, pediatric treatment.

What does HB2196 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to expanding access to treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome; and adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of HB2196?

Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading. (March 12, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2196?

Tarra Simmons (D), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2196?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2196&Year=2025