FCC Announces New Telehealth Program; SNFs, Hospitals, Health Care Training Programs Eligible for Funding
April 17, 2020
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new program to help certain health care providers pay for the infrastructure needed to provide care remotely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) Telehealth Program, which was included as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), will provide $200 million to help health care providers purchase telecommunications, broadband connectivity, and devices necessary for providing telehealth services. The program is limited to certain nonprofit and other eligible health care providers including post-secondary educational institutions offering health care instruction, not-for-profit hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities.
The FCC is currently accepting applications online.
In announcing the program [PDF], FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said, “With the adoption of the $200 million COVID-19 Telehealth Program, the FCC can now take immediate steps to provide funding so that more patients can be treated at home, freeing up valuable hospital beds for those who most need them and reducing the risk of exposure to the virus.”
Questions?
Visit ASHA’s Telepractice Resources During COVID-19 for resources and updates.
