"This service is extremely important for area families, said Glenda Thomas, regional nursing director for Florida Children Medical Services.

"It allows families to be more independent and affords parents the chance to work, even though they have children with special needs," Thomas said.

"It costs $3,000 to $6,000 a day to keep one of these children in a hospital. The Legislature is talking about Medicaid reform, and we think we can be a very important part of that discussion."

-- Beth Rubio, vice president of operations for PSA Healthcare Inc.