Providing Equitable Medical Care for Children at Home: Federal Law and State Policy

While federal laws guide pediatric home health care policy, provision of home health care services occurs at the state level. State governments have tried to build systems that meet the policy requirements, but nationwide access to pediatric home health care is not yet a reality, leaving many children with disabilities in hospitals and nursing facilities unnecessarily.

This issue brief provides background on the federal laws governing access to pediatric home health care and outlines results from a review of regulations and policies in 10 states. The authors identify inconsistencies with federal laws that result in unequal access to pediatric home health care. They also offer recommendations for how states can meet their legal obligations to ensure accessible, high-quality medical care at home for children with disabilities, emphasizing that this must happen in partnership with youth and families.