🚨 Urgent! Oppose Restrictions to Pediatric Nursing Services

Published: Thu, 02/01/24

Advocacy Opportunities

& Resources

Act Now: By Monday at 5 p.m. (Feb. 5) Submit Comment Opposing Proposed Rule Restricting Pediatric Nursing Services

Quick Summary

We are facing a proposed rule change by Texas Medicaid that could have severe consequences for medically fragile children and their families, potentially leading to increased institutionalization. The proposed rule suggests that parents cannot be away from home during Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services, placing an unprecedented burden on families with children who rely on these essential services.

Your voice is crucial in safeguarding the rights and well-being of these individuals. Thank you! See below for draft email language and the email address for comments.

Background

Texas Medicaid has proposed this rule change (download), §363.309(o)(3), which introduces limitations on PDN services -- specifically that parents cannot be away from home during these services. This restriction not only contradicts the positive experiences of children benefiting from PDN over the past decade but also jeopardizes their well-being and family structures.

Private duty nursing is a lifeline for many families, allowing children with complex medical needs to receive skilled care at home. The proposed rule, if implemented, could result in more children residing in institutions, away from their families and community support.

Related resources:

Private Duty Nursing Makes Community Living Possible (a blog post on the topic from 2023)
The Arc's healthcare-related policy advocacy
Rulemaking and the public's right to review and comment

By Monday at 5 p.m. (Feb. 5)

Submit your comment via email to Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) by sending the draft language below to MCDMedicalBenefitsPol@hhsc.state.tx.us (deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5).

Draft comment language for your use:

Subject: Comments on Draft Rule 23R068

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed rule change, specifically §363.309(o)(3), which introduces limitations on Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services. As a member of The Arc of Texas, I am deeply concerned about the potential impact this rule change could have on medically fragile children and their families.

[Personalize this section with your own experiences or insights if applicable.]

The proposed restriction, stating that parents cannot be away from home during PDN services, is unprecedented and contradicts the positive experiences of children who have received these services over the past decade. Private duty nursing plays a vital role in allowing children with complex medical needs to receive skilled care at home, fostering their well-being and community integration.

I urge you to reconsider the implementation of this proposed rule, as it not only jeopardizes the rights of medically fragile children but also poses a significant threat to the family structures that support them.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that you will prioritize the well-being of these vulnerable children in your decision-making.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

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