250325 Universal Service Support for Rural Health Care: New Developments

Wednesday, November 2, 2011: 9:30 AM

Paloma Costa , Rural Health Care, Universal Service Administrative Company, Washington, DC
The Rural Health Care program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that has more than $400 million a year available to provide reduced rates for telecommunications service and broadband access used for the provision of health care services, including HIIT, and allows rural health care providers to connect and consult with specialists in other locations. The FCC's Order mandating new changes will be the focus of this overview of the Rural Health Care (RHC) program. The presentation will incorporate a discussion of how the changes will enhance and increase access to telecommunications and broadband for rural health care providers (HCPs). Presenters will provide an overview of the program and eligibility guidelines.

Learning Areas:
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Describe eligibility for the Rural Health Care (RHC) program Discuss new support opportunities and changes to the RHC program

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I oversee the training and outreach for USAC's Rural Health Care program
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: The Utilization of HIT to Assist Underserved and Uninsured Populations
See more of: Health Informatics Information Technology