The American Hospital Association on Aug. 22 urged the Federal Communications Commission to move quickly and streamline administrative requirements under its Rural Health Care program, so that program funds can be fully deployed and connect rural health care systems with broadband services to support electronic health records, telemedicine and other patient needs. “Complex rules and administrative burden have previously limited participation in the program, despite demonstrated need for assistance,” wrote Linda Fishman, AHA senior vice president for public policy analysis and development. “Steps to streamline should be taken in the application, reporting and competitive bidding requirements.”
In addition, AHA said urban and for-profit providers should be allowed to participate in consortia that apply for funding under the program – “as long as controls are in place to ensure that rural providers receive the preponderance of the benefit.” The AHA notes that broadband support is crucial to address the growing digital divide between rural and urban providers.

