Funds used to defray telecommunications costs for public programs in Oklahoma have faced steep increases in demand as telemedicine spreads across the state, according to a report in The Oklahoman.
The Oklahoma Universal Service Fund reimburses telecommunications companies that serve hospitals as well as other public entities. The fund's outlays have doubled in the last five years to $32.5 million, due in large part to increased telemedicine use in hospitals and clinics, according to the report.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is holding public hearings on refining the program's rules, according to the report. Currently, the cost of the program is passed along to consumers in the form of higher bills for telecommunications services.
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