Rural Healthcare

The purpose of the SHLB Rural Health Care (RHC) Policy Group is to support the underlying goals, administration, and implementation of the Rural Health Care Program (which includes HCF and the Telecom Program).  

As the country advances its goal to connect people remotely (at home and wherever they are), the Group will explore ways to learn, educate, and advocate for broadband policies that advance equitable access to healthcare.

The SHLB RHC Policy Group aims to develop new and influence existing Federal policies that impact the RHC Program and the healthcare sector generally. Group members engage with each other and with others in the field to develop the expertise required to advocate for these policies (through filings, meetings with policymakers, etc.).

The SHLB RHC Policy Group provides a forum to exchange information to educate members about the RHC Program, advances in healthcare, and the intersection between healthcare, broadband, and the work of community anchor institutions.

February Meeting Summaries

February 13, 2025: SHLB supports the Colorado Hospital Association Broadband Service (CHABS) request for a waiver and extension of the 2025 Rural Health Care (RHC) program funding request deadline. Due to widespread delays in Form 460 approvals and changes in the new RHC Connect system, many applicants are at risk of missing the April 1 deadline. These issues could prevent healthcare providers from securing critical funding needed to serve their communities.

SHLB urges the FCC to grant an extension for all applicants and approve a 120-day service delivery extension to ensure equitable access to funding. Read SHLB’s full letter here.

There will be a USAC/SHLB Roundtable Meeting on March 20. To suggest discussion topics, please fill out this Google Sheet by February 28.

Full meeting notes for this and prior meetings are available to members here.

2024 Suggested Workstreams

RHC Program (Policy)

  • Track the implementation of FCC-related Orders to ensure the Program achieves its underlying goals. Examples include:
    • Monitoring recent changes in FCC’s Third Report and Order
  • Ensure the advancement of the Program by advocating for open issues. Examples include:
    • Changes in HCF/Telecom Program equipment funding
    • Telecom Program rural/urban rates
    • Annual caps on recurring/non-recurring charges
  • Ensure to provide an educational forum for members to track and understand RHC Program-related topics. Examples include:
    • Developments related to the USF
    • Audit-related procedures and issues
 

RHC Program (Systems/Usability)

  • Ensure usability of the RHC Program systems by collecting user data, conducting productive USAC meetings, and tracking systems developments. 
 

Healthcare generally

Ensure the development of future public policies that address broadband-related healthcare issues. Examples include:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Ensure the advancement of equitable access to healthcare, by developing educational opportunities related to:
    • Access and funding opportunities for telehealth services
    • School-based clinics and mental health
    • Tribal access to healthcare
  • Ramesh Nagarajan, Chief Legal Advisor, Office of Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel

March 2020
FCC ORDER
Promoting Telehealth for Low-Income Consumers / COVID-19 Telehealth Program

October 2019
FCC ORDER
Promoting Telehealth in Rural America


Rural Healthcare Co-Chairs

  • Kristen Corra
    Kristen Corra
    Policy Counsel SHLB Coalition
    Staff Contact
  • Sarah Bauman
    Sarah Bauman
    Director of Utah Telehealth Network Utah Education and Telehealth Network UETN (435)260-9440
    Co-Chair
  • Kim Gaffney Corriher
    Kim Gaffney Corriher
    Director of Government Operations Southern Ohio Health Care Network (SOHCN) (740)331-1510
    Co-Chair
  • Matthew Hiatt
    Matthew Hiatt
    CTO Palmetto Care Connections 8039566094
    Co-Chair
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