In-home nursing support for medically fragile children.

Whenever possible, children with complex medical needs and their families are given the choice to live in their own homes and communities, not hospitals. Pediatric High-Tech Nursing enables medically fragile children with complex needs to be cared for safely at home and in their community by providing in-home nursing. 

The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living manages the Adult High-Tech Nursing Program for people over the age of 21.

What is Pediatric High-Tech Nursing?
  • A Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse who can

    • Provide direct care

    • Help develop, monitor and implement a family-centered care plan

  • Authorization of durable medical equipment and supplies

Who is eligible for Pediatric High-Tech Nursing?

To be eligible, a child must:

  • Be younger than 21

  • Have active Vermont Medicaid

  • Be living with complex medical needs requiring continual assessment and intervention by a nurse

How does a family access Pediatric High-Tech Nursing?
  • Health care provider makes a referral.
    • Anyone can suggest Pediatric high-tech nursing, but the medical provider provider must be the one to refer.
    • Referrals can happen at any time. However, ideally, they happen well before children are discharged from the hospital or rehabilitation facility so supports are available as the child transitions home.
  • Pediatric High-Tech Nursing is provided by a Medicaid-contracted home health agency, such as the Visiting Nurse Associations around the state, or by a nurse who is directly enrolled with Vermont Medicaid in a family-managed model.
  • Families and caregivers work with the home health agencies and Visiting Nurse Associations to set the schedule and make sure that the staff is the best match to meet their child’s needs.
Resources
Contact us

Children with Special Health Needs
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8360

Tel: 800-660-4427 or 802-863-7338
Fax: 802-863-7635