In Florida, children and adolescents from birth through 21 years who have medically complex conditions and are enrolled in Medicaid may be eligible to receive skilled nursing and other services in a licensed non-residential setting called Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Center (PPEC). PPEC is a benefit from Florida Medicaid. PPEC facilities are medical daycare centers staffed by nurses, caregivers, and therapists.
Medically Fragile Children can receive care at a PPEC for up to 12 hours daily. This care may include medical, nursing, therapeutic, and developmental therapy services appropriate to the individual’s medical condition and developmental status. The staff of a PPEC must consist of a Director of Nursing (Don), Registered Nurses (RN’s), LPN’s and CNA’s
At Medical Day Care, children with complex medical conditions can play and learn with other kids in a safe, nurturing environment, giving their parents time to work, continue with school, or to care for other children in the household. Since the child will receive daily medical care, trips to the emergency room and doctor’s office should be reduced.
The choice to receive care in a PPEC is a voluntary decision that requires the consent of the child or adolescent parents or legal guardian.
Studies from Florida International University indicate that “children enrolled in PPECs show significant improvement in life scores (i.e., physical and psychosocial functioning) and have lower medical condition severity” compared to those enrolled in home health settings.
Patients eligible for Florida Medicaid are fully covered for PPEC services. Medical Day Care works with families for coverage through your Medicaid insurance provider—no out-of-pocket costs to families.
Every PPEC must be approved and licensed by AHCA.
If you have any questions about how to enroll your child, please contact us, we will be happy to help you become part of our Learning Tree Family!