Michigan panel hears testimony on bills to license pediatric extended care centers and seek Medicaid payment

The House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on bills that would create a licensed structure for prescribed pediatric extended care centers, or PPECs, and establish Medicaid payment pathways for services provided in those facilities.

Representative Rogers, a sponsor, told the committee the bills (House Bill 5251 and House Bill 5252) would establish nonresidential, daytime centers for medically complex children that provide nursing care and other medical services so families can work while children receive coordinated care. "These centers ... serve medically complex children," Rogers said, describing requirements in the licensing bill for a medical director, a nursing director with experience in the field, minimum staffing levels and monthly staff development.

The sponsor said the legislation sets out plans of care that include medical, psychological and educational needs and requires coordination with schools. Rogers also described an initial licensing fee of $2,000 and a $500 annual…