Washington, DC - Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to adopt a $200 million telehealth program to support health care providers and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were appropriated as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“These are unprecedented times, and we must utilize every available resource to support health care providers as they navigate the evolving needs of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. As more and more patients rely on telehealth services for non-emergency care, providers will need additional resources to purchase the broadband and devices needed to meet increased demand. We applaud the FCC for acting quickly to adopt this order and will continue to work to ensure patient and provider needs are met during this critical time," said Walden and Latta.
The FCC also adopted final rules to stand up a Connected Care Pilot Program. You can read FCC’s full announcement HERE.