FCC Improving Support for Digital Health in Rural America

The Federal Communications Commission approved a number of proposals for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program to make it easier for healthcare providers to receive support, reduce delays in funding commitments, and improve the overall efficiency of the program. Reliable high-speed connectivity is critical for rural healthcare providers to serve patients in rural areas that often have limited resources, fewer doctors, and higher rates for broadband and telecommunications services than urban areas. These actions will resolve petitions for reconsideration on issues from the August 2019 Promoting Telehealth Report and Order, and adopt proposals from the February 2022 Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. These actions include:

• Granting petitions for reconsideration to restore the prior rate determination rules and eliminate rules requiring the Rates Database for the Telecom Program;
• Amending the RHC Telecom Program invoicing processes to eliminate the Health Care Provider Support Schedule and move invoice submission until after services have been provided;
• Amending the internal cap application and prioritization rules to promote efficiency, reduce delays in funding commitments, and prioritize support for the current funding year;
• Dismissing as moot Applications for Review of the Bureau’s guidance to the Universal Service Administrative Company regarding the Rates Database.

The Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted seeks comment on:

• Fine-tuning the rules for determining rural and urban rates in the RHC Telecom Program;
• Reinstating the cap on support for satellite services in the Telecom Program that existed before the adoption of the Rates Database;
• Making it easier for health care providers to receive RHC Program funding as soon as they become eligible; and,
• Revisions to data collected in the Telecom Program.