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Panel approves substitute to create pediatric extended care licensure and funding framework
Summary
Subcommittee voted unanimously (7–0) to report a substitute for House Bill 2198, directing state licensure and oversight of pediatric prescribed extended care centers (PPECCs) and referring the measure to Appropriations; counsel outlined licensure, background checks and rulemaking authority for the Board of Health.
House Bill 2198 (substitute), sponsored by Delegate McQuinn, would authorize and establish licensure and oversight for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECCs), a daytime skilled-nursing and therapy model for children with complex medical needs. The substitute reported to the committee incorporates recommendations from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and aligns PPECC licensure with existing child-welfare and health-provider licensing frameworks.
The substitute requires criminal background checks for employees and volunteers, authorizes VDH to assess application fees and to grant provisional and conditional licenses, sets renewal requirements and inspection authority, and gives VDH disciplinary powers for noncompliance. Counsel characterized the substitute as substantially similar to last year’s draft but adapted to VDH licensing norms.
Witnesses included pediatric nurses and operators of existing centers in other states who described PPECC services: daytime hours (typically 6 a.m.–6 p.m. or similar), nursing ratios (often 1 nurse per 3 children), bundled daily reimbursement models (often covered by Medicaid), and benefits including reduced hospitalizations, increased family workforce participation, and improved developmental outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics and operators in Florida testified in favor; VDH offered recommendations that were incorporated into the substitute.
Action: Delegate Price moved and the subcommittee adopted the substitute and voted to report the bill and refer it to Appropriations; the clerk recorded the vote as 7 to 0 and the substitute was referred to Appropriations for funding consideration.
Ending: The substitute advances PPECC licensure and regulatory oversight while directing VDH to promulgate regulations and the Board of Health to adopt rules for implementation; appropriations review will evaluate any fiscal impact.
