Governor Corbett Ceremonially Signs Law to Help Medically Fragile Children

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today ceremonially signed House Bill 1960, allowing medically fragile children to receive treatment at pediatric extended care centers (PECCs) until the age of 21. Previously, children could only be treated at PECCs until their ninth birthday.

Governor Corbett visited The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center.  He was joined by bill sponsor Rep. Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) as well as doctors, parents and children who receive care at Child's Way®. Child's Way® is a program located within The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center and is the first PECC in Pennsylvania.

"Parents who rely on pediatric extended care centers now have the relief of knowing that their children won't age out of the program once they turn nine years old," said Gov. Corbett. "This law helps the children; it helps their families and allows many parents to work outside the home while knowing their children are receiving the care they need."

Children come to Child's Way® to receive specialized nursing supervision as well as continuous therapeutic intervention. It gives parents a valuable option for their child's medical care, including before and after school day care.

"We are grateful for the passage of HB 1960 allowing medically fragile children to receive the quality care they deserve from PECCs until the age of 21. It is a service we as a community must provide to assist children and families in need," said Pamela Schanwald, CEO, The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov.

Media contact:  Kirsten Page, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor