The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just approved an order to create a $200 million telehealth program to support healthcare providers responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic using funds appropriated as part of the CARES Act.
- The FCC published more information on how potential applicants can prepare to submit a grant application for up to $1 million to fund telehealth equipment and operations.
- The order addressed the requirements to obtain an eligibility determination from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC); obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and register with the System for Award Management.
- Please Note: While one of the required forms suggests that only rural providers are eligible for this funding opportunity, the FCC Order states in paragraph 16 that “the COVID-19 Telehealth Program will be open to eligible healthcare providers, whether located in rural or non-rural areas,” so non-rural providers should not be deterred from applying.
- Applications from healthcare providers will be accepted and processed on a rolling basis on a first come, first served basis as soon as application forms are published in the Federal Register.