Louisiana offers PPEC services for children with complex medical needs, and Medicaid covers the full cost. If your child needs skilled nursing during the day, this guide walks you through how the program works, who qualifies, and how to get started.
In Louisiana, PPEC centers are officially called Pediatric Day Health Care Facilities (PDHCs). The name is different, but the service is the same: licensed medical daycare where children receive nursing care, therapy, and developmental support in a safe, supervised setting.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana's PPEC program serves children from birth through age 20 with complex medical needs.
- Services are 100% covered by Louisiana Medicaid with no out-of-pocket cost to families.
- Your child needs an active Louisiana Medicaid number, a physician referral, and a medical necessity determination to qualify.
- Louisiana's Pediatric Day Health Care Facilities can operate up to 12 hours per day, seven days per week.
- The provider network is growing, with centers in cities like Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Alexandria, Shreveport, and Covington.
- The Medicaid Specialty Care Help Desk can answer your questions: 1-888-758-2220.
What Is PPEC in Louisiana?
PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care) is a type of medical daycare designed for children who need ongoing skilled nursing and therapeutic care. In Louisiana, these facilities are licensed as Pediatric Day Health Care Facilities and regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
A Pediatric Day Health Care Facility is a non-residential facility that provides medical care for medically fragile children under the age of 21. These centers can operate seven days a week, up to 12 hours per day. During that time, your child receives hands-on nursing care, therapy sessions, and age-appropriate activities, all under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals.
Think of it this way: your child gets the medical attention they need while also getting to play, learn, and interact with other kids. And you get the peace of mind (and the time) to work, care for siblings, or simply take a breath. Learn more about why families choose medical daycare over other options.
Who Qualifies for PPEC in Louisiana?
To receive PPEC services in Louisiana, your child must meet three requirements:
- Active Louisiana Medicaid enrollment. Your child needs a current, active Louisiana Medicaid number. If you are not sure whether your child is enrolled, call the Medicaid Specialty Care Help Desk at 1-888-758-2220 to check.
- Physician referral. Your child's doctor must provide a referral for Pediatric Day Health Care services. This referral confirms that your child has medical needs that require skilled nursing in a structured setting.
- Medical necessity determination. Louisiana Medicaid requires documentation that PPEC services are medically necessary for your child. This typically involves a review of your child's diagnoses, care plan, and the level of nursing support they need each day.
Who typically qualifies?
Children who benefit from PPEC often have conditions like:
- Tracheostomies requiring suctioning and airway management
- G-tubes or other feeding devices needing daily care
- Seizure disorders requiring monitoring and medication
- Ventilator dependence or oxygen dependency
- Cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions
- Complex cardiac, respiratory, or metabolic conditions
If your child has a medically complex condition and you are spending hours each day managing their care at home, PPEC may be a good fit. Your pediatrician can help determine whether a referral makes sense.
What Services Do Louisiana PPEC Centers Provide?
Pediatric Day Health Care Facilities in Louisiana offer a full range of medical and developmental services, including:
- Skilled nursing care. Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses handle medications, wound care, trach care, G-tube feedings, seizure monitoring, and other medical needs throughout the day.
- Therapy services. Many centers provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy on-site. This means fewer separate appointments for your family.
- Developmental and educational activities. Children participate in age-appropriate learning, play, and social activities tailored to their abilities.
- Nutrition management. Staff handle specialized feeding protocols, dietary needs, and tube feeding schedules.
- Care coordination. Centers work with your child's doctors, therapists, and specialists to keep everyone on the same page.
The result? Your child gets consistent, expert-level care during the day. You get reliable support so you can handle work, errands, or time with your other children. See the full range of services PPEC centers typically offer.
How to Enroll Your Child in Louisiana PPEC
Getting started takes a few steps, but the process is straightforward:
Step 1: Confirm Medicaid enrollment. Make sure your child has an active Louisiana Medicaid number. If they are not enrolled yet, you can apply through the Louisiana Medicaid website or by calling 1-888-342-6207.
Step 2: Talk to your child's doctor. Ask your pediatrician or specialist for a referral to a Pediatric Day Health Care Facility. The doctor will document your child's medical needs and write a prescription for PPEC services.
Step 3: Contact a PPEC provider. Reach out to a licensed Pediatric Day Health Care Facility near you. The facility's intake team will guide you through the medical necessity review, paperwork, and scheduling.
Step 4: Complete the intake process. The facility will coordinate with your child's physician to finalize the plan of care. Once approved, your child can begin attending.
If you hit any roadblocks, the Medicaid Specialty Care Help Desk is there to help: 1-888-758-2220.
Where to Find PPEC Providers in Louisiana
Louisiana's network of Pediatric Day Health Care Facilities is growing. Licensed centers operate in several cities across the state, including:
- Baton Rouge (Pediatric Health Choice, and others)
- New Orleans / Metairie (Pediatric Health Choice, Aveanna Healthcare, and others)
- Alexandria (Pediatric Health Choice)
- Shreveport (Caring Hands Pediatric Day Health Center)
- Covington (A Place of Our Own)
- Additional locations across the state
To find a complete, up-to-date list of licensed providers:
- LDH Pediatric Day Health Care Facility directory: The Louisiana Department of Health maintains a directory of licensed Pediatric Day Health Care Facilities.
- Louisiana Medicaid Provider Finder: Search for PDHC providers enrolled in Medicaid through the Healthy Louisiana plan portal.
- Call the Help Desk: The Medicaid Specialty Care Help Desk at 1-888-758-2220 can help you locate providers accepting new patients in your area.
Louisiana PPEC vs. Other Care Options
If you are weighing PPEC against other options for your child, here is how they compare:
PPEC vs. Private Duty Nursing (PDN): Private duty nursing sends a nurse to your home. It covers the medical side, but your child misses out on socialization, structured activities, and on-site therapy. PPEC provides all of that in one place. Read more about why families choose PPEC over private nursing.
PPEC vs. Regular daycare: Traditional daycares are not equipped to handle trach care, G-tube feedings, or seizure management. PPEC centers are staffed by nurses and therapists trained specifically for medically complex children.
PPEC vs. Staying home: Many families manage their child's care at home, but that often means one parent cannot work. PPEC gives your child expert medical care while giving you the freedom to maintain a job, attend school, or care for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PPEC stand for?
PPEC stands for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care. In Louisiana, these facilities are officially called Pediatric Day Health Care Facilities (PDHCs), but the terms refer to the same type of service: licensed medical daycare for children with complex health needs.
Is PPEC free in Louisiana?
Yes. PPEC services in Louisiana are fully covered by Medicaid. There are no copays, deductibles, or bills for eligible families. Your child must have an active Louisiana Medicaid number to qualify.
What ages does Louisiana PPEC serve?
Louisiana's Pediatric Day Health Care Facilities serve children from birth through age 20. Some children begin attending as infants, while others start later as their medical needs evolve.
How many hours per day can my child attend?
Louisiana PPEC centers can operate up to 12 hours per day, seven days per week. Actual hours vary by facility, so check with your local center for their specific schedule.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
Yes. A physician referral is required to enroll in PPEC in Louisiana. Your child's pediatrician or specialist can provide this referral after evaluating your child's medical needs.
What if I do not have Medicaid yet?
You can apply for Louisiana Medicaid online, by phone (1-888-342-6207), or in person at a local Medicaid office. Many children with complex medical conditions qualify based on their diagnosis, regardless of family income. Once your child has an active Medicaid number, you can begin the PPEC enrollment process.
Where can I get help with questions?
Call the Louisiana Medicaid Specialty Care Help Desk at 1-888-758-2220. They can answer questions about eligibility, provider availability, and the enrollment process.
Your Next Step
If your child has complex medical needs and you live in Louisiana, PPEC could give them expert daily care while giving you the support you have been looking for. The first step is simple: talk to your child's doctor about a referral.
Want to learn more about how PPEC works across the country? Read our complete state-by-state PPEC guide to see how Louisiana compares and explore what other states offer.
Already know PPEC is right for your family? Check eligibility requirements or get started today.
This article was reviewed for accuracy as of March 2026. PPEC regulations and provider availability change as Louisiana updates its Medicaid program. Always verify current eligibility and provider information with your local PPEC facility or by calling the Medicaid Specialty Care Help Desk at 1-888-758-2220.
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