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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Technology for health and human services

Jun 10, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comment regarding the Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers, Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal Service Support information collection. Comments are due by July 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold the first Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) meeting on June 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. The CSRIC will provide recommendations to the FCC on improving the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. Attendance is available in person or online at https://www.fcc.gov/​live.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - Announces a new initiative to create the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty that will work toward helping tribes manage their digital footprint. Notes the impact it could have on tribal economies, healthcare, and infrastructure. The center will support research and capacity building, manage data, offer technical assistance, and educate on internet networks.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
Jun 5, 2024 - Features a Fort Hall Reservation resident impacted by the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered monthly subsidies to support internet access for millions of low-income and rural Americans. Notes the importance of internet access for accessing medical records, scheduling appointments, and communicating with providers.
Source: KFF Health News
May 31, 2024 - Announces the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program on June 1, 2024 due to a lack of Congressional funding. Outlines how the program helped millions of low-income American access high-speed internet. Notes that 15 percent of participating households were located in rural areas.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
May 29, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposing to require wireless carriers to implement one or more georouting solutions for calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to ensure that calls are routed based on the geographic location for the origin of the call, rather than the area code and exchange associated with a wireless phone. The FCC also seeks comment on a variety of issues related to the implementation of a georouting solution for wireless calls, non-wireless calls, and text messages to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Comments are due by June 28, 2024. Reply comments are due by July 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 23, 2024 - Highlights a college class project that developed a method for sharing health data through a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), a form of low-frequency radio that could allow remote monitoring for patients in areas without cellular or broadband access. Discusses implications for rural patients, the need for patient privacy, and the value of students working with community partners to innovate solutions to real-world problems.
Source: Cornell Chronicle
May 22, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopting a Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, Order, and Order on Reconsideration that reestablishes the FCC's authority over broadband internet access service (BIAS). Among other things, this rule reinstates the telecommunications service classification of BIAS under Title II of the Communications Act, which will enhance the FCC's ability to safeguard national security, advance public safety, protect consumers, and facilitate broadband deployment. This final rule is effective July 22, 2024, except for amendatory instruction 7, which is delayed indefinitely.
Source: Federal Register
May 20, 2024 - Offers highlights from the Bipartisan Policy Center's 3 day trip to 20 sites in Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota to learn more about rural hospitals, digital health initiatives, and behavioral health services. Discusses rural resilience, collaborations, and use of technology. Notes challenges related to funding, emergency medical services, workforce, and access to care. Includes description of coming reports from the organization.
Source: Bipartisan Policy Center
May 16, 2024 - The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust will provide more than $30 million in grants to health systems in Minnesota and Nevada to support ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) programs. ECMO provides cardiac and respiratory support for those whose heart or lungs cannot provide adequate oxygen, gas exchange, or blood supply.
Source: HealthLeaders