The Federal Communications Commission will accept additional comments through Aug. 23 on a 2010 proposed rule to reform its Rural Health Care program, according to an AHA News Now report.
The program uses universal service fees to support expanded broadband access in rural areas. The proposed changes make greater use of available funds, which have not historically been fully deployed, according to the report.
The FCC is also seeking input on the broadband needs of rural healthcare providers, including telemedicine, electronic health records and other telehealth applications as well as comments on issues such as inclusion of urban providers and how to structure the permanent Rural Health Care program.
To view the FCC's notice for comment, click here (pdf).
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The program uses universal service fees to support expanded broadband access in rural areas. The proposed changes make greater use of available funds, which have not historically been fully deployed, according to the report.
The FCC is also seeking input on the broadband needs of rural healthcare providers, including telemedicine, electronic health records and other telehealth applications as well as comments on issues such as inclusion of urban providers and how to structure the permanent Rural Health Care program.
To view the FCC's notice for comment, click here (pdf).
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