New Lifeline Program Rule Effective

From the Federal Register notice:

In the Order, the Commission takes significant steps to promote the integrity, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Lifeline program. First, the Commission restores the traditional state role in designating ETCs and traditional ETC designation categories, while taking steps to increase transparency with states to improve oversight functions. Next, the Commission amends the Lifeline program rules to improve the integrity of providers’ enrollment and recertification processes, and also establishing protections to help prevent improper payment claims before they occur. Finally, the Commission acts to improve its rules regarding Lifeline auditing practices.

Effective January 27, 2020, except for amendatory instruction 7 (§ 54.406(b)) which is effective February 25, 2020 and amendatory instruction 8 (§ 54.406(a)) which is effective March 26, 2020 and amendatory instructions 6.b. (§ 54.404(b)(12)) and 11 (§ 54.410(f)), which are delayed.