Rep. Baker's Bill Establishing Licensure for PPEC Centers Passes House Floor

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) today celebrated the passage of House Bill (HB) 141, along with State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) during House session. 

HB 141 will establish the licensure process through the Ohio Department of Health for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers, and formally defines PPEC as a provider-prescribed Medicaid service. These centers offer a safe, supportive, and medically appropriate environment for children with complex medical conditions—children who often cannot safely attend traditional daycare centers.

“This bill is grounded in a simple but powerful truth: that children with medical complexity are not just patients. They are children first. And they deserve to have the experiences of socialization, friendship, and play that will come with safe daycares,” said Rep. Baker. 

PPEC centers are community-based, non-residential daycare centers that serve infants, preschoolers, and provide before- and after-school and summer care for school-aged children. These centers are inclusive, with typically developing children learning and growing alongside children with medically complex needs. This means that siblings can attend the same center - allowing them to see other families like theirs and normalize their family experience.

House 141 passed 96-0 and will now head to the Senate.