ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2196
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By House Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Simmons, Low, Leavitt, Paul, Nance, Duerr, Stonier, Couture, Davis, Stuebe, and Lekanoff)
READ FIRST TIME 02/04/26.
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.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
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.