House Joint Resolution 73, sponsored by Lynn, aims to commemorate PANDAS Awareness Day on October 9, 2025. PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) are serious conditions affecting approximately one in every 200 children in the U.S., with around 8,000 cases in Tennessee alone. These disorders can lead to sudden and severe changes in a child's behavior, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and various accompanying symptoms such as anxiety, tics, and behavioral regression, often following a strep or viral infection.

The resolution highlights the challenges of diagnosing and treating PANDAS/PANS, which is frequently misdiagnosed and may require a range of treatments, including antibiotics and cognitive behavioral therapy, many of which are not covered by insurance. The impact of these disorders can be devastating for families, leading to financial strain due to lost wages and medical expenses. The resolution calls for the General Assembly to recognize the significance of this health issue and to promote awareness of PANDAS and PANS.