House Committee Begins Hearings on Legislation to Establish Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers in Ohio

COLUMBUS -The House Families and Aging Committee today began hearings on House Bill 676, bipartisan legislation to establish Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers in Ohio, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison). Abrams is sponsoring the legislation alongside State Rep. Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati).

PPEC programs are non-residential community-based 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.

"House Bill 676 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 during sponsor testimony.

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

House Bill 676 awaits further consideration from the House Families and Aging Committee.