Cedar Crest in Keene seeks approval for additional care beds for medically fragile children

The New Hampshire House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss a significant bill concerning the Cedar Crest Center for Children with Disabilities, the only facility in the state catering to a specialized population of developmentally disabled and medically fragile children. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for additional resources to accommodate the rising demand for care.

Representative Weber introduced the bill, which proposes to authorize two additional beds at Cedar Crest, located in Keene. This facility serves children with complex medical needs, including those who require ventilators and feeding tubes. Currently, Cedar Crest has a capacity of 28 beds, which is set to expire at the end of the next fiscal year. The bill includes a provision allowing the commissioner to request further bed authorizations from the fiscal committee if necessary, streamlining the process for future expansions.

Jay Hasten, President and CEO of Cedar Crest, emphasized the critical role the facility plays in providing both medical care and education to its residents, who range from infancy to age 22. He noted that the demand for specialized care has surged by over a third since the pandemic, with the facility often operating at full capacity and maintaining a waiting list. Hasten assured committee members that the staff is prepared to handle an increase in patients, should the bill pass.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of the children’s needs, with many requiring intensive medical support. Hasten explained that while the facility can accommodate additional beds, logistical considerations limit immediate expansion beyond the proposed two beds. He expressed hope that the bill would pave the way for more flexible planning to meet future demands.

The committee members raised questions about the facility's capacity and the rationale behind limiting the initial increase to two beds. Hasten clarified that while the facility has the capability to care for more children, the current proposal reflects a cautious approach to ensure that any expansion is justified by actual need.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on the bill, which aims to address the pressing needs of a vulnerable population in New Hampshire. The committee's next steps will involve reviewing the bill and considering its implications for the state's healthcare system and the families relying on Cedar Crest's services.