On February 22, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“Notice”) that proposes and seeks comments on revisions to the Rural Health Care Program’s (“RHC”) funding determination mechanisms and administrative processes. The FCC seeks comments on options for determining accurate rates in the Telecom Program under the RHC, such as how to define cost factors and categorize service technologies, as well as comments on selecting a rate determination mechanism and providing for a transition period. The FCC also seeks comment on limiting the applicability of the internal funding cap on upfront payments and multi-year commitments to instances when demand exceeds available funding; to target funding for the current funding year over future years when the internal cap is exceeded; and to simplify the invoicing process in the Telecom Program by using the same system as participants in the Healthcare Connect Fund Program.
Comments will be due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Reply Comments will be due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Please Contact Us if you have any questions.