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HJR 73

Memorials, Recognition - PANDAS Awareness Day -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Susan Lynn

Designates Oct 9, 2025 as PANDAS Awareness Day in Tennessee to raise public awareness of PANDAS/PANS; ceremonial only, no regulatory changes or funding.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 73

Summary — HJR 73: PANDAS Awareness Day

Bill type: House Joint Resolution (HJR 73)
Sponsor: Rep. Lynn
Subject: Memorials / Recognition
Status: Signed by Governor (signed 3/12/2025)
Introduced: 11/12/2024

Purpose

HJR 73 officially commemorates “PANDAS Awareness Day” on October 9, 2025, to recognize Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), raise public awareness of these conditions, and acknowledge their impact on affected children and families.

Key provisions

  • Declares October 9, 2025, as PANDAS Awareness Day in Tennessee.
  • Includes findings and background in the resolution text: prevalence estimates (reported as 1 in 200 children nationally, ~8,000 in Tennessee), typical symptom onset (sudden OCD and related neuropsychiatric symptoms following infection), common clinical features (tics, anxiety, depression, behavioral regression, school decline, sensory issues, restricted food intake), and treatment options (antibiotics, steroids, plasmapheresis, cognitive behavioral therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, IVIG).
  • Notes issues of misdiagnosis, undertreatment, and financial strain on families (lost wages, out-of-pocket medical costs).
  • Directs preparation of an appropriate copy of the resolution for presentation; provides that, upon request, the language following the State seal may appear without legislative designation.

Affected parties / impact

  • Primary beneficiaries: children with PANDAS/PANS and their families through increased public and professional awareness.
  • Healthcare providers and school personnel may receive heightened attention to diagnosis and management issues.
  • No regulatory changes, mandates, or funding are created. The resolution is ceremonial and symbolic only.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal Note (Tennessee Fiscal Review Committee, 2/20/2025): fiscal impact assessed as “not significant.”
    • Reasoning: the resolution does not create a legal holiday or require ongoing state/local expenditures; any cost to prepare copies of the resolution is estimated to be not significant.

Legislative timeline (highlights)

  • Filed: 11/12/2024
  • House adopted (final passage): 2/5/2025 (Ayes 91, Nays 0)
  • Senate concurrence: 3/3/2025 (Ayes 32, Nays 0)
  • Transmitted to Governor: 3/5/2025; Signed by Governor: 3/12/2025

Bottom line

HJR 73 is a nonbinding, commemorative resolution designating October 9, 2025, as PANDAS Awareness Day in Tennessee to increase awareness of PANDAS/PANS and recognize the clinical and family burdens associated with these pediatric conditions. It imposes no regulatory requirements and has no significant fiscal impact.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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