Rural Health
News by Topic: Technology for health and human services
Jan 17, 2020 - The Federal Communications Commission has released the implementation schedule for newly adopted reforms in the Rural Health Care Promoting Telehealth Report and Order. Changes are intended to promote transparency and the efficient allocation of program resources within the Rural Health Care Program.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 15, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the draft 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan, which outlines federal health information technology goals regarding patients' access to their health information. HHS is requesting public comments to be submitted by March 18, 2020.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Jan 14, 2020 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman announced initial estimates of how many rural homes and businesses will benefit from Phase I of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Includes a preliminary state-by-state list.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
FCC: Connect America Fund
Federal Register
Jan 13, 2020 - Final rule from the Federal Communications Commission to establish procedures for the administration of the voluntary process for the long-form applicants in the Connect America Phase II Auction to facilitate post-auction review of the defined deployment obligations on a state-by-state basis when the total number of actual locations in eligible areas is less than the number of funded locations. These procedures are effective February 12, 2020.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 8, 2020 - Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai has released final rules to launch the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which will be voted on during the January 30, 2020 open meeting. If passed, $20.4 billion will be set aside for the deployment of high-speed broadband in areas of the U.S. that do not currently meet the minimum speed standard.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Jan 8, 2020 - A bill intended to improve broadband connectivity in areas with limited access to care has been introduced in the Senate. The Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act will allow for the mapping of areas that lack maternal care and access to internet, with the goal of improving telehealth technology infrastructure in areas with critical maternal healthcare needs. Also discusses other legislation that has been introduced in the previous year to address maternal health.
Source: mHealth Intelligence
FCC: Connect America Fund; Correction
Federal Register
Jan 8, 2020 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission correcting supplementary information found in the December 9, 2019 notice of final rule with the same title. Changes are effective January 8, 2020.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 8, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces its investment of $23 million in two high-speed broadband infrastructure projects in North Dakota. The projects will focus on rural e-Connectivity for 2,643 households and 78 businesses as part of USDA's ReConnect Pilot Program.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Jan 7, 2020 - FCC Commissioner Carr will travel to New Mexico and Texas this week for meetings focused on broadband deployment issues on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and technology used for the protection of the U.S.-Mexico Border.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Dec 19, 2019 - Summarizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture's accomplishments in 2019. Includes their efforts to support rural broadband expansion with the ReConnect Pilot Program, investments in essential community facilities and renewable energy projects in rural areas.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture