Rep. Baker Introduces Bill Establishing Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) and Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) this week announced the introduction of House Bill (HB) 676, bipartisan legislation that establishes Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers in Ohio.

“I am so excited about the implementation of PPEC centers in Ohio,” said Rep. Baker. “Ohio is a leader in pediatric healthcare and families move to Ohio to be able to receive the best healthcare care for their child with severe medical needs. We need to have the community resources to support these children outside of the hospital. PPECs will allow children with severe medical needs to attend early childhood education, receiving education and socialization with peers in a safe environment. Additionally, this will provide their parents with a reliable childcare option rather than relying on home nursing services that are in high demand. This is a win-win for the children, their families, and our communities!”

HB 676 would establish the licensure, rules, and requirements for an individual to start their own PPEC center in Ohio.  PPEC centers would allow for children with complex medical conditions to obtain quality childcare.  These centers would be inclusive classroom environments with onsite nursing staff, allowing children with severe medical needs to have their social, emotional, physical, cognitive and speech, and educational needs met at their early childhood education center.

HB 676 has not been assigned a committee yet, but will hopefully receive its first sponsor testimony hearing when the General Assembly is back in session in mid-November. 

To learn more about the importance of PPEC centers, please click here.