Rural Healthcare, Radio Rules on Tap for Feb. FCC 18 Meeting

Citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare, the FCC will "bolster the commission's support for digital health solutions" by updating the rural healthcare program during the Feb. 18 commissioners' meeting, blogged Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Thursday. They will vote on changes to "improve the efficiency of this program’s administration" and "make sure its investments are better targeted." The FCC awarded nearly $450 million through the COVID-19 telehealth program, with the final round Wednesday (see 2201260053). "Healthcare has changed permanently over the past two years," Rosenworcel wrote, and telemedicine "is here to stay."

An item requiring Aureon Network Services to submit data that would be used to calculate refunds to customers and an update to full-power and translator radio station rules are also on the agenda. The Aureon item is aimed at "helping overcharged customers get the refunds they deserve", Rosenworcel wrote. That item would require Aureon to submit data that will "enable the commission to calculate the refunds it owes its customers who paid the unlawful rate," she said, saying Aureon "charged unlawfully high rates to handle interstate phone traffic in Iowa" from 2018-19.

The technical updates for radio rules were described at the NPRM stage as “housekeeping” (see 2107070062) rather than major changes. “Last July we proposed several changes to update and clean up those provisions, and this month we will finalize those changes in order to reduce any potential confusion, alleviate unnecessary burdens, and make sure our rules reflect the latest technical requirements,” said Rosenworcel now. The July NPRM, in docket 21-263, contained proposals on clarifying the language of technical rules for noncommercial educational stations, Class D stations and AM radio fill-in areas.

Commissioners will also consider an Enforcement Bureau item.