Ohio House Passes Legislation to Establish Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers in Ohio

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) is pleased to announce that the Ohio House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to establish Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers in Ohio. Abrams championed the measure alongside State Representative Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati).

PPEC programs are non-residential community-based daycare centers that also offer early childhood education programs for children with complex medical needs. The centers are staffed with a medical director, nurses providing routine and emergency care, and classroom teachers who build lesson plans and activities to meet each child’s needs.

Under this legislation, PPEC programs will be available to Ohio children following a referral to the program by a licensed provider. To be eligible, the child must be either medically or technologically dependent, and medically stable prior to beginning PPEC services.

“This bill is a win-win for children with complex medical needs, their families, and our communities to ensure proper and accessible early childhood education for children with complex medical conditions,” said Abrams. “These centers will provide peace of mind for families to know that their children are receiving safe educational experiences.”

House Bill 141 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.