Cooper’s Resolution to Study Rare Diseases Adopted by House

July 1, 2026

HARRISBURG – A resolution calling for a study of two rare disorders has passed the House, Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland), the resolution ’s author, announced yesterday.

“I was contacted by a family whose story of suffering was more than compelling. Theirs was a story of hardship that no family should have to endure,” Cooper said. “My proposal will set Pennsylvania on a path to solutions.”

House Resolution 528 addresses conditions called Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). Impacting 1 in 200 families, a young patient begins with severe changes in behaviors commonly confused for afflictions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder, which leads to misdiagnoses for psychological issues. However, PANS and PANDAS are the result of an underlying infection, such as strep throat or influenza. If the infection goes without treatment, the symptoms can be permanent.

According to the proposal, the bipartisan, bicameral Joint State Government Commission will conduct a comprehensive study of insurance practices, state resources, provider capacity, misdiagnosis impacts, and other states’ policies, and make recommendations to improve access, education and support. The commission will report its findings and policy recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders within 18 months.

Cooper explained that misdiagnoses are a result of PANS and PANDAS being somewhat rare, which has led to insurance company hold ups, leaving families to go through cumbersome appeals processes.

“At this point, all we really know is that we don’t know enough. However, sitting on our hands and watching as a family struggles to provide relief for their child is not an option,” Cooper said. “This the first step in a path to bring solutions to the table.”

House Resolution 528 passed 201-1. It does not need to be considered by the Senate.

Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper