Remarks of FCC Commissioner Clyburn at the 5th Annual Telehealth Summit of South Carolina

Previously I have asked, what additional steps can the Federal Communications Commission take to maximize the benefits and opportunities, of the agency’s Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF). While the $400 million a year program has historically been undersubscribed, requests for support in funding year 2015, the most recent available, reached a historic high of nearly $378 million. Given the finite funding available for this program, I believe we should constantly be thinking about the best ways to improve its effectiveness. One such idea, is the RURAL Telehealth Act, introduced during the last Congress. This bipartisan bill recognizes, that non-rural hospitals and health-care providers, may be best positioned to bring telehealth services to their communities. I welcome your thoughts on how this legislation would impact South Carolinians, our fellow citizens and your goal of bringing advanced telehealth services to communities most in need.