Summary of the Rural Health Care Program

The Rural Health Care Program, provides funding to eligible health care providers for telecommunications and broadband services necessary for the provision of health care. Eligible health care providers include: (1) post-secondary educational institutions offering health care instruction, teaching hospitals, and medical schools; (2) community health centers or health centers providing health care to migrants; (3) local health departments or agencies; (4) community mental health centers; (5) not-for-profit hospitals; (6) rural health clinics; (7) skilled nursing facilities (as defined in section 395i–3(a) of title 42 and (8) consortium of health care providers consisting of one or more entities falling into the first seven categories.  In addition, eligible health care providers must be non-profit or public.  The goal of the program is to improve the quality of health care available to patients in rural communities by ensuring that eligible health care providers have access to telecommunications and broadband services.  As of funding year 2017 (which ran from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018), funding for the Rural Health Care Program is capped at $571 million annually, adjusted for inflation.

The Rural Health Care Program is currently made up of two programs: the Healthcare Connect Fund Program and the Telecommunications Program. The Healthcare Connect Fund Program, established in 2012, provides support for high-capacity broadband connectivity to eligible health care providers and encourages the formation of state and regional broadband health care provider networks. Under the Rural Health Care Program, eligible rural health care providers, and those eligible non-rural health care providers that are members of a consortium that has more than 50 percent rural health care provider sites, receive a 65 percent flat discount on an array of communications services.  These services include internet access, dark fiber, business data, traditional digital service line (DSL), and private carriage services.  

The Telecommunications Program, established in 1997, subsidizes the difference between urban and rural rates for telecommunications services.  Under the Telecommunications Program, eligible rural health care providers can obtain rates on telecommunications services in rural areas that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in corresponding urban areas.  

For more information about the Healthcare Connect Fund Program, please see the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Rural Health Care Program Funding Cap

When the Commission established the Rural Health Care Program in 1997, it capped program funding at $400 million per funding year.  Beginning in funding year 2016, health care provider funding requests for high-speed broadband began to outpace that funding cap.  On June 25, 2018, the Commission released the Rural Health Care Program Funding Cap Order, which adopted measures to promote health care delivery and telemedicine in rural area by providing a sufficient and more predictable source of universal service funding.  Specifically, the Commission adopted rules that: (1) increased the annual Rural Health Care Program funding cap to $571 million and applied it to Funding Year 2017; (2) annually adjusted the Rural Health Care Program funding cap to reflect inflation, beginning with funding year 2018 (which runs from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019); and (3) established a process to carry-forward unused funds from past funding years for use in future funding years.

 

Daily Releases

2024

  • 12/2/24
    November USF Appeals Public Notice:
    Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    WordPDF
  • 11/1/24
    October USF Appeals Public Notice:
    Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    WordPDF
  • 10/15/24
    New Invoicing Form for RHC Telecom Program Public Notice:
    Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Release of New Invoicing Form for the Rural Health Care Telecommunications Program.
    WordPDF
  • 10/9/24
    USF Broadband Program Rules in Response to Milton Order:
    WCB waives Lifeline, E-Rate, Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), Rural Health Care (RHC), and High Cost rules and deadlines to assist participants and service providers located in areas affected by Hurricane Milton.
    WordPDF
  • 10/1/24
    FCC Waives USF, Broadband Program Rules in Response to Helene Order:
    WCB waives Lifeline, E-Rate, Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), Rural Health Care (RHC), and High Cost rules and deadlines to assist participants and service providers located in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
    WordPDF
  • 10/01/24
    October USF Appeals Public Notice:
    Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    WordPDF
  • 8/1/24
    August USF Appeals Public Notice:
    Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    WordPDF
  • 7/29/24
    Rural Health Care Program Invoice Deadline Waiver Requests Order:
    WCB denies requests for waiver of the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program invoice filing deadline for all participants in the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program for funding year 2022.
    WordPDF
  • 7/1/24
    June USF Appeals Public Notice:
    Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    WordPDF
  • 6/14/24
    Availability of Unused Funds to Fully Satisfy Demand for RHC Program Funding for FY 2024 Public Notice:
    WCB announces the amount of unused funds for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program that have been carried forward for funding year 2024. WCB announces the amount of unused funds for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program that have been carried forward for funding year 2024.
    WordPDF
  • 6/4/24
    Rurality Designation Update Order:
    The Wireline Competition Bureau updates the list of rural areas used to determine eligibility in the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program to reflect results of the 2020 decennial United States census.
    WordPDF
  • 6/3/24
    June USF Appeals Public Notice:
    Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    WordPDF
  • 5/1/24
    May USF Appeals Public Notice:
    Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    WordPDF
  • 4/26/24
    RHC Funding Request Review Procedures Approval Letter:
    WCB notifies USAC that WCB approves the Rural Health Care Program Funding Year 2024 Funding Request Review Procedures, subject to further modifications and/or instruction from the Commission.
    PDF
  • 4/18/24
    RHC Application Filing Deadline Order:
    WCB addresses four requests from petitioners seeking waivers of the deadline to submit requests for funding under the Rural Healthcare (RHC).
    Word PDF
  • 4/1/24
    April USF Appeals Public Notice:
    Consistent with precedent, WCB, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 3/8/24
    E-Rate & RHC Programs' Inflation-Based Caps for FY24 Public Notice:
    Wireline Competition Bureau Announces E-Rate And RHC Programs' Inflation-Based Caps For Funding Year 2024.
    Word PDF
  • 3/7/24
    Rural Health Care Program Filing Extension Order:
    WCB waives, sua sponte, section 54.621(a)(1) of the Commission's rules and extends the close of the funding year 2024 application filing window for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program until May 1, 2024.
    Word PDF
  • 3/1/24
    March USF Appeals Public Notice:
    Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 2/1/24
    February USF Appeals Public Notice
    Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 1/2/24
    January USF Appeals Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF

2023

  • 12/20/2023
    Iliuliuk Family and Health Services (IFHS) Waiver of FY 2022 Filing Deadline Order: WCB grants a petition for waiver submitted by Iliuliuk Family and Health Services (IFHS) of the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program application filing deadline for funding year 2022.
    Word PDF
  • 12/14/2023
    Further Improvements to Rural Health Care Program Report and Order: FCC Adopts Rules For Further Improvements to Rural Health Care Program.
    Word PDF
  • 12/1/2023
    December USF Appeals Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 10/2/2023
    October USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 9/1/2023
    Broadband Program Rules in Response to Idalia Order: WCB waives certain E-Rate, Emergency Connectivity Fund, Rural Health Care, Lifeline, Affordable Connectivity Program, and High-Cost rules to assist participants and service providers located in areas affected by Hurricane Idalia.
    Word PDF
  • 8/31/2023
    August USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 8/30/2023
    2024 Tribal Library Pilot Program Launch Public Notice: Announcing an upcoming webinar to launch and provide additional information about the E-Rate program Funding Year 2024 Tribal Library Pilot Program
    Word PDF
  • 8/18/2023
    Broadband Program Rules for Hawaii Wildfires Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau waives certain Universal Service Fund, Affordable Connectivity Program, and Emergency Connectivity Program rules to assist program participants and providers located in areas affected by the Hawaii Wildfires.
    Word PDF
  • 7/31/2023
    July USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 6/30/2023
    Relief in Areas Affected by Typhoon Mawar Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau waives certain Universal Service Fund, Affordable Connectivity Program, and numbering rules to assist program participants and providers located in areas affected by Typhoon Mawar.
    Word PDF
  • 6/30/2023
    June USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice:Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 5/31/2023
    May USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice:Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 5/26/2023
    Tanana Chiefs Conference Waiver Request Order: FCC Resolves Tanana Chiefs Conference Waiver Request of Rural Health Care Program Rules.
    Word PDF
  • 5/24/2023
    RHC Funding Year 2023 Demand Can Be Fully Satisfied with Unused Funds Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Announces the Availability of Unused Funds to Fully Satisfy Demand for Rural Health Care Program Funding for Funding Year 2023.
    Word PDF
  • 4/28/2023
    April USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 4/26/2023
    RHC FY2023 Funding Request Review Procedures Approval Letter: WCB approves the Rural Health Care Program Funding Year 2023 Funding Request Review Procedures, subject to further modifications and/or instruction from the Commission.
    Word PDF
  • 3/31/2023
    March USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 3/23/2023
    Comment Dates for RHC Second Further NPRM: Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Comment And Reply Comment Dates For Rural Health Care Second Further Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking.
    Word PDF
  • 3/20/2023
    Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Waiver of Invoice Deadline Order: WCB grants a request for waiver filed by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Wireless, LLC (NTUAW), of section 54.627(a), the invoice filing deadline rule under the Rural Health Care Program's Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program.
    Word PDF
  • 3/8/2023
    Rural Health Care Program FY 2023 Filing Window Order: WCB waives the Commission's rules and extends the close of the funding year 2023 application filing window for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program until May 1, 2023.
    Word PDF
  • 3/3/2023
    E-Rate and RHC Programs' Inflation-Based Caps for Funding Year 2023 Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Announces E-Rate And RHC Programs' Inflation-Based Caps For Funding Year 2023.
    Word PDF
  • 2/1/2023
    UVA Telehealth Center, Lumos Waiver of HCF Invoice Deadline Order: WCB addresses a pair of requests filed by the University of Virginia Health System Center for Telehealth (UVA Telehealth Center) and Lumos Networks Inc. (Lumos) seeking waiver of section 54.627(a) of the Commission's rules.
    Word PDF
  • 1/31/2023
    January USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 1/27/2023
    Digital Health in Rural America Order on Reconsideration and 2nd Report and Order and 2nd Further Notice Of Proosed Rulemaking: The Federal Communications Commission has approved a number of proposals for the Rural Health Care Program to make it easier for health care providers to receive support.
    Word PDF

2022

  • 12/30/2022
    December USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 12/21/2022
    Comment on Petition from Avel eCare Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on a Petition for Clarification or, in the Alternative, Limited Waiver Filed By Avel E-Care, LLC.
    Word PDF
  • 12/5/2022
    Rural Rates Request for Review or Waiver Order: WCB addresses a request for review or, in the alternative, request for waiver of the Commission's Rural Health Care (RHC) Telecommunications (Telecom) Program rules filed by Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC).
    Word PDF
  • 10/31/2022
    October USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 10/4/2022
    Broadband Program Rules in Response to Hurricane Ian Order: WCB waives certain E-Rate, Emergency Connectivity Fund, Rural Health Care, COVID-19 Telehealth, Lifeline, Affordable Connectivity Program, and High-Cost rules to assist participants and service providers located in areas affected by Hurricane Ian.
    Word PDF
  • 9/30/2022
    September USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 9/22/2022
    Broadband Program Rules in Response to Hurricane Fiona Order: WCB waives certain E-Rate, Emergency Connectivity Fund, Rural Health Care, COVID-19 Telehealth, Lifeline, and Affordable Connectivity Program rules to assist participants and service providers located in areas affected by Hurricane Fiona.
    Word PDF
  • 8/31/2022
    August USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 8/22/2022
    WCB Seeks USAC Board of Directors Nominations Public Notice: WCB seeks nominations for six board member positions on USAC's Board of Directors.
    Word PDF
  • 8/15/2022
    Future of the Universal Service Fund Report: The Commission adopts this Report on the Future of the Universal Service Fund (Report) as required by Section 60104(c) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
    Word PDF
  • 7/29/2022
    July USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 7/22/2022
    RHC Funding Year 2022 Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Announces the Availability of Unused Funds to Fully Satisfy Demand for Rural Health Care Program Funding for Funding Year 2022.
    Word PDF
  • 5/31/2022
    May USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 5/25/2022
    Nationwide Waiver of RHC Telecom Program Rates Database Order: WCB extends nationwide waiver of Rural Health Care Program rural rates database through funding year 2023.
    Word PDF
  • 5/19/2022
    Elite Program Specialists Order: WCB grants Elite Program Specialists, LLC's request for waiver of the Commission's Rural Health Care Program rules to permit certain Louisiana providers to file late applications for funding year 2021 in light of special circumstances.
    Word PDF
  • 4/29/2022
    April USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 4/12/2022
    Telecom Program Rural Rates Database for Alaska Order: WCB Extends Waiver of Telecom Program Rural Rates Database for Alaska through Funding Year 2023.
    Word PDF
  • 3/31/2022
    March USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 3/22/2022
    Georgia Department of Public Health RHC Appeal and Waiver Order: TAPD addresses three requests for review filed by the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH), and three related requests for review filed by its service provider, ENA Healthcare Services LLC (ENA Healthcare).
    Word PDF
  • 3/14/2022
    E-Rate and RHC Programs' Inflation-Based Caps for Funding Year 2022 Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Announces E-Rate And RHC Programs' Inflation-Based Caps For Funding Year 2022.
    Word PDF
  • 3/3/2022
    Rural Health Care Program FY 2022 Filing Window Order: WCB waives the Commission's rules and extends the close of the funding year 2022 application filing window for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program until June 1, 2022.
    Word PDF
  • 2/28/2022
    February USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF
  • 2/22/2022
    Comment on Further Reforms to Rural Health Care Program Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Program Supports Rural Health Care Providers with Broadband Costs and Other Communications Services.
    Word PDF
  • 1/31/2022
    January USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    Word PDF

    2021

    • 12/28/2021
      December USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 12/8/2021
      Midwest Medical Center RHC Appeal Order: WCB grants Midwest Medical Center's request for review of USAC's denial of the applicant's funding year 2018 funding request, finding that the requested services are eligible under the HCF Program.
      Word PDF
    • 9/3/2021
      FCC Waives USF, Broadband Program Rules in Response to Hurricane Ida Order: WCB waives certain E-Rate, Rural Health Care, Lifeline, High Cost, Emergency Connectivity Fund, and Emergency Broadband Benefit rules and deadlines to assist participants and providers located in the areas affected by Hurricane Ida.
      Word PDF
    • 8/31/2021
      August USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 8/16/2021
      RHC Telecom Program Funding Request Review Procedures Approval Letter: WCB approves the Rural Health Care Program Funding Year 2021 Funding Request Review Procedures for the Telecommunications Program, subject to further modifications and/or instruction from the Commission.
      Word PDF
    • 8/13/2021
      Utah Education and Telehealth Network RHC Order on Reconsideration: WCB addresses a petition for reconsideration filed by Utah Education and Telehealth Network (UETN), upholding the Bureau's prior denial, but granting UETN a waiver of the competitive bidding requirements as they apply to the funding requests at issue.
      Word PDF
    • 6/23/2021
      Rural Health Care Program Funding for Funding Year 2021 Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Announces the Availability of Unused Funds to Increase Rural Health Care Program Funding for Funding Year 2021.
      Word PDF
    • 6/23/2021
      RHC HCF Funding Request Review Procedures Approval Letter: WCB approves the Rural Health Care Program Funding Year 2021 Funding Request Review Procedures for the Healthcare Connect Fund, subject to further modifications and/or instruction from the Commission.
      Word PDF
    • 5/28/2021
      May USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 5/12/2021
      Community Care of West Virginia RHC Waiver Order: WCB grants Community Care of West Virginia's request for review and instructs USAC to revise the FY 2018 funding commitments for the funding request numbers listed in Attachment A.
      Word PDF
    • PDF
      Attachment A
      Attachment B
      Attachment C
    • 4/30/2021
      April USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 4/8/2021
      RHC Rates Database and Certain Administrative Rules Order: WCB Waives RHC Rates Database and Certain Administrative Rules.
      Word PDF
    • 3/31/2021
      March USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 3/19/2021
      E-Rate and RHC Programs' Inflation-Based Caps for Funding Year 2021 Public Notice: The new caps represent a 1.2% inflation-adjusted increase in each program cap from funding year 2020.
      Word PDF
    • 2/26/2021
      February USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 2/12/2021
      Extended Application Window for Rural Health Care Program Order: Application Window for RHC Program for FY21 Extended to 6/1/2021.
      Word PDF
    • 2/12/2021
      Petition for Declaratory Ruling Filed by Technology Channel Sales Professionals Public Notice: By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for declaratory ruling filed by Technology Channel Sales Professionals.
      Word PDF
    • 1/29/2021
      January USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 1/19/2021
      Telecom Program Rural Rates Database for Alaska Order: WCB Waives Use of Telecom Program Rural Rates Database for Alaska.
      Word PDF
    • 12/30/2020
      December USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 12/23/2020
      Telecom Program Rates Database Rates Letter: OWCB directs USAC to add to the Database of Urban and Rural Rates for the Telecommunications Program rates for all funding requests committed since its launch.
      Word PDF
    • 12/14/2020
      Gift Rule Waivers for RCH and E-Rate Programs Order: WCB extends our waivers of the RHC and E-Rate program gift rules through June 30, 2021, the end of funding year 2020.
      Word PDF
    • 11/30/2020
      November USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 11/30/2020
      Effective Date of Rural Health Care Rules Order: WCB Accelerates Effective Date of RHC Rules.
      Word PDF
    • 10/30/2020
      October USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 10/19/2020
      RHC Program FY20 Support Request Order: WCB waives section 54.619(a) to eliminate the cap on upfront payments and multi-year commitments for FY 2020 to ensure that all RHC Program requests for support can be funded in full.
      Word PDF
    • 9/16/2020
      Rural Health Care Program Appeals and Waiver Order: TAPD waives the RHC Program's Healthcare Connect Fund Program invoice filing deadline in to provide relief to applicants and service providers who received FY 2019 funding commitment letters after or within 180 days of the invoice filing deadline..
      Word PDF
    • 9/15/2020
      Rural Health Care Program Appeals and Waiver Order: TAPD Addresses Rural Health Care Program Appeals and Waiver.
      Word PDF
    • 9/3/2020
      E-Rate and RHC COVID-Related Waivers Extended Order: E-Rate and RHC gift rules waived through Dec. 31, 2020. Timeframe for responding to USAC information requests extended.
      Word PDF
    • 8/31/2020
      August USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 7/31/2020
      July USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 6/30/2020
      Database of Urban and Rural Rates for the Telecommunications Program Letter: WCB provides directions to the USAC on how to administer the RHC support mechanism, and in particular, how to treat services and data when identifying rural and urban rates for the Telecommunications Program.
      Word PDF
    • 6/30/2020
      June USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 6/30/2020
      Rural Health Care Program Funding for Funding Year 2020 Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Announces the Availability of Unused Funds to Increase Rural Health Care Program Funding for Funding Year 2020.
      Word PDF
    • 6/30/2020
      Rural Health Care Program Funding Year 2020 Funding Request Review Procedures Letter: WCB notifies USAC that WCB approves the Rural Health Care Program Funding Year 2020 Funding Request Review Procedures, subject to further modifications and/or instruction from the Commission.
      Word PDF
    • 6/12/2020
      Southcentral Foundation's Takotna Village Health Clinic Order: TAPD addresses an emergency petition of GCI and Southcentral Foundation to waive certain provisions of the RHC Telecommunications Program's rules to allow SCF's Takotna Village Health Clinic to continue to receive support at temporary site.
      Word PDF
    • 5/29/2020
      May USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 5/22/2020
      Oklahoma Health Care Providers Order: WCB finds good cause exists to waive the funding year 2019 application filing deadline for the 11 funding requests listed in the Appendix.
      Word PDF
    • 5/22/2020
      Rural Health Care Program Certification Requirement Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau clarifies Rural Health Care Program certification requirement.
      Word PDF
    • 4/30/2020
      April USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 4/13/2020
      FY19 RHC Demand to Aid Delivery of Rural Telehealth Order: Commission acts to support Telehealth and Rural Health Care Providers by fully funding all FY2019 demand in the Rural Healthcare Program.
      Word PDF
    • 3/31/2020
      March USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 3/26/2020
      Additional Relief to Assist RHC Program Participants Public Notice: WCB grants, on our own motion, additional relief to assist Rural Health Care Program participants in addressing the ongoing coronavirus public health emergency.
      Word PDF
    • 3/18/2020
      FCC Waives RHC and E-Rate Gift Rules Due to COVID-19 Order: FCC waives the gift rules applicable to the RHC and E-Rate programs to assist rural health care providers and schools and libraries affected by COVID-19.
      Word PDF
    • 3/13/2020
      FCC Fully Funds FY19 RHC Demand to Aid Delivery of Rural Telehealth Order: Commission acts to support Telehealth and Rural Health Care Providers by fully funding all FY2019 demand in the Rural Healthcare Program.
      Word PDF
    • 3/12/2020
      Finger Lakes Community Health Order: TAPD denies a request for waiver from Finger Lakes Community Health on behalf of NY Community Broadband Partnership of the three-year limitation on a multi-year funding commitment for a FY15 funding commitment in the RHC Program's HCF Program.
      Word PDF
    • 3/12/2020
      E-Rate and RHC Programs' Inflation-Based Caps Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Announces E-Rate and RHC Programs' Inflation-Based Caps for Funding Year 2020.
      Word PDF
    • 3/9/2020
      Healthcare Connect Fund Program Invoice Deadline Waiver Order: TAPD waives, sua sponte, the Healthcare Connect Fund Program invoice filing deadline in section 54.645(b) of the Commission’s rules.
      Word PDF
    • 3/4/2020
      ENA Healthcare Services Application for Review Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on ENA Healthcare Services Application for Review.
      Word PDF
    • 3/4/2020
      Tanana Chiefs Conference Application for Review Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on Tanana Chiefs Conference Application for Review.
      Word PDF
    • 2/28/2020
      February USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 2/19/2020
      Rural Health Care Maniilaq Waiver Order: Addresses a waiver request from Maniilaq Association involving a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company to deny funding to Maniilaq under the Rural Health Care Program's Telecommunications Program for FY17.
      Word PDF
    • 1/24/2020
      TeleQuality Communications, Inc. Reconsideration and Order: Telecommunications Access Policy Division dismisses and denies petition for reconsideration filed by TeleQuality Communications, Inc.
      Word PDF
    • 1/15/2020
      Tanana Chiefs Conference Appeal Order: WCB denies a request for review and waiver by the Tanana Chiefs Conference seeking review of the USAC decision denying TCC’s request to file FCC Forms 466 for three clinics after the RHC application filing deadline had passed for funding year 2016.
      Word PDF
    • 12/10/2019
      Guidance on the Implementation Schedule for Reforms Adopted by the Rural Health Care Program Promoting Telehealth Report and Order: Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance on the implementation schedule for reforms adopted by the Rural Health Care Program Promoting Telehealth Report and Order.
      Word PDF
    • 10/31/2019
      October USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 8/20/2019
      Promoting Telehealth in Rural America Report and Order: Increases Transparency, Predictability, and Efficiency of RHC Program Funding Decisions.
      Word PDF
    • Chairman Pia
    • Commissioner O'Rielly
    • Commissioner Carr
    • Commissioner Rosenworcel
    • Commissioner Starks
    • 7/24/2019
      FY19 RHC Application Deadline Waiver Public Notice: WCB seeks comment on a request for waiver of the May 31, 2019 deadline for eligible health care providers to submit funding year 2019 applications for support from the Rural Health Care Program.
      Word PDF
    • 6/10/2019
      Unused RHC Funds for Funding Year 2019 Public Notice: WCB directs USAC to carry-forward unused funds from prior funding years to the extent necessary to cover FY 2019 RHC Program demand as of the close of the FY 2019 filing window on June 30, 2019.
      Word PDF
    • 5/20/2019
      Rural Health Care Support Mechanism Order: FCC takes necessary steps to provide full funding for all eligible services requested from the Rural Health Care universal service support mechanism for the 2018 funding year.
      Word PDF
    • 5/17/2019
      May USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 3/29/2019
      March USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 3/8/2019
      E-Rate and RHC Programs’ Funding Caps for FY 2019 Public Notice: Announcing the E-Rate and Rural Health Care programs’ inflation-based funding caps for funding year 2019.
      Word PDF
    • 2/28/2019
      February USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 2/15/2019
      RHC Rural Rates Public Notice: WCB issues guidance to provide certainty and assist service providers and rural health care providers in complying with the Commission’s Rural Health Care Program rules, including rules for determining rural rates in the Telecommunications Program.
      Word PDF
    • 1/2/2019
      Rural Health Care GCI Public Notice: WCB Seeks comment on the Application for Review filed by GCI Corporation.
      Word PDF
      Appendix A
    • 12/28/2018
      December USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
      Word PDF
    • 12/20/2018
      Rural Health Care Program Invoicing Appeal Order: WCB addresses seven requests for review of decisions made by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the Rural Health Care Program.
      Word PDF
    • 12/4/2018
      Rural Health Care Program Record Refresh Public Notice: WCB seeks additional comment on discrete issues raised in the Rural Health Care Notice of Proposed Rulemaking related to determining the urban and rural rates used to calculate support in the Telecommunications Program.
      Word PDF
    • 6/25/2018
      Telehealth in Rural America Report and Order: Addresses the current funding shortfall in the Rural Health Care Program by raising the annual program budget cap to $571 million.
      Word PDF
    • PDF
      Chairman Pai
      Commissioner O'Rielly
      Commissioner Carr
      Commissioner Rosenworcel

      • 3/19/2018
        Promoting Telehealth in Rural America Order: Waives the Healthcare Connect Fund’s funding year 2017 invoice filing deadline for the funding request numbers identified in the Appendix.
        Word PDF
      • 1/4/2018
        Comment and Reply Dates for Rural Health Care Rulemaking Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Comment and Reply Comment Dates for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Promoting Telehealth in Rural America.
        Word PDF

      2017

      • 12/18/2017
        Strengthen Rural Health Care Program Order: Seeks comment on proposals to strengthen the Rural Health Care Program and grants relief to rural healthcare providers facing potential cuts in Funding Year 2017.
        Word PDF
      • 11/22/2017
        New Rural Healthcare Docket Public Notice: WCB opens WC Docket No. 17-310 for RHC Program, which is captioned “Promoting Telehealth in Rural America”.
        Word PDF
      • 10/12/2017
        Network Services Solutions Bankruptcy Order: WCB waives certain Rural Health Care rules to enable rural health care providers who are served by Network Services Solutions to select a replacement service provider without initiating a new competitive bidding process.
        Word PDF
      • 10/6/2017
        Aid in Hurricane Recovery Order: WCB waives certain E-rate, Rural Health Care, Lifeline, and contribution rules and deadlines to assist schools, libraries, healthcare providers, Lifeline Program participants, and contributors affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
        Word PDF
      • 6/30/2017
        Rural Health Care Rules for Alaskan Providers Order: The Commission waives, sua sponte and on a one-time basis, its Rural Health Care rules for certain Alaskan health care providers.
        Word PDF
      • 6/23/2017
        WCB Waives HCF Invoice Filing Deadline for Certain FRNs Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau waives, sua sponte, the invoice filing deadline under the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program for funding year 2016 for the funding request numbers (FRNs) identified in the Appendix.
        Word PDF
      • 6/8/2017
        Rural Healthcare Program Universal Service Skilled Nursing Facilities Memorandum Opinion and Order: The Commission amends section 54.600(a) of its rules defining "health care provider" under the Rural Health Care Program to include "Skilled Nursing Facilities" (SNFs) as health care providers eligible to participate in the program.
        Word PDF
      • 5/31/2017
        May USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice: Consistent with precedent, WCB grants, dismisses, or denies a number of requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of decisions related to actions taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
        Word PDF
      • 2/10/2017
        Network Services Solutions LLC Waiver Order: WCB grants Comm. Hospital Corp’s request to select a replacement provider for Network Services Solutions LLC (NSS), and waives other rules to allow HCPs served by NSS to enter into interim replacement contracts without starting a new bidding process.
        Word PDF

      2016

      • 8/26/2016
        RHC Filing Window Public Notice: Provides a filing window period schedule for funding requests for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program.
        Word PDF
      • 7/28/2016
        Hope Community Appeal Order: Denies a request from Hope Community Resources, Inc. seeking review of a USAC decision under the rural health care universal service support mechanism for funding year 2013.
        Word PDF
      • 6/15/2016
        FY2015 HCF Annual Reports Public Notice: Reminds Healthcare Connect Fund consortia of their requirement to file Funding Year 2015 Annual Reports with USAC by September 30, 2016..
        Word PDF
      • 6/3/2016
        Hospital Networks Management Order: Denied Hospital Networks Management’s appeal and directs USAC to continue recovery actions against the THN consortium and discontinue recovery actions against Verizon for the funding request numbers at issue.
        Word PDF

      2015

      • 12/15/2015
        SHLB et al. Petition Comment Public Notice: Invites comment on a consolidated petition for rulemaking seeking to amend Part 54 of the Commission’s rules with a series of reforms to the Rural Health Care (RHC) program.
        Word PDF
      • 12/7/2015
        RHC St. Andrews et al Appeals Order: Denies a consolidated appeal filed by rural healthcare Telecommunications Program participants and affirms USAC’s decisions concerning the funding start date for the funding requests at issue.
        Word PDF
      • 10/2/2015
        St. Vincent SHO Appeal Order: Denied a request from St. Vincent Health Suburban Health Organization seeking review of decisions made by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the rural health care universal service support mechanism.
        Word PDF
      • 9/17/2015
        RHC Form 466 Waiver Order: Grants six appeals of decisions by USAC under the rural health care universal service support mechanism in which USAC denied support because the applicants missed the deadline for filing the FCC Forms 466 and 466-A.
        Word PDF
      • 9/11/2015
        RHC HCF Rural Participation Public Notice: Reports on rural participation in consortia seeking support from the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program of the rural health care universal service support mechanism.
        Word PDF
      • 9/11/2015
        RHC HCF Annual Reports Public Notice: Addresses the Funding Year 2014 Annual Report requirements for the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) and Rural Healthcare (RHC) Pilot Program consortia.
        Word PDF
      • 7/10/2015
        Evergreen Contracts Public Notice: Clarifies the scope of the evergreen contract exemption in the Commission’s universal service Rural Health Care program.
        Word PDF
      • 3/11/2015
        Northeast Ohio Regional Health Order: The Bureau approves a request by OneCommunity, the current project coordinator, to restructure the Northeast Ohio Regional Health Information Organization Pilot Program project.
        Word PDF
      • 2/6/2015
        RHC FY13 Form 463 Invoice Deadline and Waiver Extension: This Order grants a waiver request filed by USTelecom by providing a 60-day extension to the Healthcare Connect Fund FCC Form 463 (invoice) deadline for all applicants.
        Word PDF
      • 1/20/2015
        FCC Form 466 Deadline Order: WCB clarifies the treatment of supporting documentation to applications for support (FCC Form 466) under the Telecommunications Program of the rural health care universal service support mechanism.
        Word PDF

      2014

      • 11/24/2014
        Ozark Gidance Center, Springdale, AZ: Grants a request from Ozark Guidance Center seeking review of decisions made by USAC to deny funding under the rural health care universal service support mechanism.
        Word PDF
      • 10/22/2014
        October Streamlined USF Appeals Disposition Public Notice:Streamlined Resolution of Requests Related to Actions by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
        Word PDF
      • 10/2/2014
        Franciscan Skemp Waukon Clinic Order: Denied a request from Franciscan Skemp Waukon Clinic seeking review of a decision made by the Universal Service Administrative Company to deny funding under the rural health care universal service support mechanism.
        Word PDF
      • 7/23/2014
        RHC Rural Areas Update Order: Updating the list of rural areas used to determine eligibility in the Rural Health Care universal service support mechanism and providing a limited waiver for participants transitioning from rural to non-rural status.
        Word PDF
      • 6/19/14
        Consortium Annual Reports Waiver Order: Granted a limited, one-year waiver of the requirement that consortium lead entities in both the Healthcare Connect Fund and the Rural Health Care Pilot Program file an annual report.
        Word PDF
      • 6/19/14
        Consortium Annual Reports Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on Healthcare Connect Fund Annual Reports.
        Word PDF
      • 3/11/2014
        IHS/White Swan Appeal Order: Denied IHS/White Swan’s request for review of a decision of the Universal Service Administrative Company under the Rural Health Care Program.
        Word PDF
      • 2/19/2014
        Skilled Nursing Facility Program Public Notice: Deferral of the Skilled Nursing Facility Pilot Program pending the Commission’s consideration of healthcare related proposals in WC Docket No. 10-90.
        Word PDF
      • 1/17/2014
        California Telehealth Network Public Notice: Seeks comment on a California Telehealth Network request for review of a Universal Service Administrative Company Rural Health Care program decision.
        Word PDF

      2013

      • Review of USAC Rural Health Care Decisions Public Notice: 12/6/2013
        Seeks comment on requests for review by Illinois Rural HealthNet, Colorado Telehealth Network, and Oregon Health Network of Universal Service Administrative Company decisions denying Rural Health Care Program support.
        Word PDF
      • Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Public Notice: 11/21/2013
        WCB Seeks Comment on Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) request for review of a Universal Service Administrative Company decision denying YKHC support under the Rural Health Care Program.
        Word PDF
      • SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium Public Notice: 11/21/2013
        WCB Seeks Comment on SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) request for review of a Universal Service Administrative Company decision denying SEARHC support under the Rural Health Care Program.
        Word PDF
      • Healthcare Connect Fund Rules Public Notice: 9/12/2013
        Announced effectiveness of those Healthcare Connect Fund rules associated with information collections and announced the availability of forms for applicants.
        Word PDF
      • FCC Form 498 Public Notice: 8/19/2013
        Announced the availability of the revised FCC Form 498, which enables service providers in any of the Commission’s rural health care USF programs to choose their preferred method of reimbursement for services they provide to health care providers.
        Word PDF
      • Southcentral Foundation Public Notice: 6/13/2013
        Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Southcentral Foundation’s Request for Review of a Universal Service Administrative Company Rural Health Care decision.
        Word PDF
      • Ozark Guidance Center Public Notice: 6/13/2013
        Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Ozark Guidance Center’s Request for Review of a Universal Service Administrative Company Rural Health Care decision.
        Word PDF
      • Arkansas Department of Information Systems Public Notice: 6/13/2013
        Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Arkansas Department of Information Systems’ Request for Review of a Universal Service Administrative Company Rural Health Care decision.
        Word PDF
      • Healthcare Connect Fund Public Notice: 4/26/2013
        The Wireline Competition Bureau and The Office of Managing Director Provide Collection Instructions To USAC for The Healthcare Connect Fund.
        Word PDF
      • USTelecom Healthcare Connect Fund Order Public Notice: 4/24/2013
        In this Public Notice, WCB seeks comment on USTelecom’s Petition for Reconsideration and Clarification of the Healthcare Connect Order.
        Word PDF
      • Healthcare Connect Fund Forms Public Notice: 4/1/2013
        Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the attached proposed new FCC Forms 460, 461, 462, and 463, and their accompanying instructions.
        Word PDF
        Form 460: Word PDF | Instructions: Word PDF
        Form 461: Word PDF | Instructions: Word PDF
        Form 462: Word PDF | Instructions: Word PDF
        Form 463: Word PDF | Instructions: Word PDF

      2012

      • Report and Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Commission launches the Healthcare Connect Fund to expand health care provider access to broadband and foster state and regional broadband health care networks, and creates a Skilled Nursing Facility Pilot Program. FCC 12-150(12/21/12) Word | PDF
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department (LMAS) seeking reversal of a USAC decision denying LMAS’s request for Funding Year 2010 rural health care support. LMAS also requests that the Commission grant it a waiver of the FCC Form 466 filing deadline for Funding Year 2010. LMAS argues that it failed to file its 2010 Form 466 due to an administrative oversight and that it did not violate any substantive rules. DA 12-1403(8/27/12) Word | PDF
      • Staff Report (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this Staff Report, the Wireline Competition Bureau describes the current status of the Rural Health Care Pilot Program, key benefits arising from the Pilot Program, and major lessons learned. DA 12-1332(8/13/12) Word | PDF
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by ThedaCare Physicians-Shawano Clinic (ThedaCare) seeking reversal of a decision of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) in which USAC denied ThedaCare’s request that USAC recalculate ThedaCare’s Funding Year 2010 rural health care support based on corrected rural and urban rates. DA 12-1306(8/09/12) Word | PDF
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Network Services Solutions, L.L.C. (NSS) for a waiver of section 54.611 of the Commission’s rules. That section requires that the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) reimburse any monies due a carrier from the universal service rural health care support mechanism only after an offset is credited against that carrier’s universal service support obligations. NSS also requests that the Commission grant an expedited stay of USAC’s decision, allowing NSS to continue to receive bi-monthly rural health care support disbursements pending the Commission’s review of the instant waiver request. DA 12-1230(7/31/12) Word | PDF
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by Providence Seward Medical and Care Center (Providence Seward) seeking reversal of a decision of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) in which USAC reduced Providence Seward's funding requests for Funding Year 2010 under the rural health care support mechanism. Providence Seward argues that USAC erroneously applied a mileage-based charge in calculating Providence Seward’s universal service support and that Providence Seward has been unfairly prejudiced by delays in USAC’s determinations. DA 12-1229(7/31/12) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks to develop a more focused and comprehensive record in several areas in the pending Rural Health Care reform rulemaking proceeding, particularly with regard to the proposed Broadband Services Program. DA 12-1166(7/19/12) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this order, we maintain support on a limited, interim, fiscally responsible basis for specific Rural Health Care Pilot Program (Pilot Program) participants that have exhausted their funding this year or will exhaust such funding during funding year 2012. FCC 12-74(7/6/12) Word | PDF
        Commissioner McDowell Statement: Word | PDF
        Commissioner Clyburn Statement: Word | PDF
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this order, we grant the requests filed by Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) and GCI Communication Corp. (GCI) seeking review of decisions by the Rural Health Care Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC or the Administrator). USAC denied portions of 38 Funding Year (FY) 2008 requests for support under the federal rural health care universal service support mechanism because it determined the services for which YKHC sought support were not necessary for the provision of health care until YKHC installed specific equipment. Upon review of the record before us, we find that USAC erred in its decision, and we therefore remand YKHC’s application to USAC for further processing consistent with this order. DA 12-720(5/9/12) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on a request filed by the Texas Health Information Network Collaborative (TxHINC) for a 120 day extension of the June 30, 2012, universal service Rural Health Care Pilot Program funding commitment deadline for projects to choose vendors and request funding commitment letters from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). TxHINC explains that due to circumstances unique to the state of Texas, it has been delayed in choosing vendors and submitting funding requests to USAC. TxHINC requests the Bureau extend TxHINC’s funding commitment deadline until October 30, 2012. DA 12-544(4/6/12) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on whether to fund Rural Health Care Pilot Program (Pilot Program) participants who will exhaust funding allocated to them before or during funding year 2012 (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013). This funding would maintain support for qualifying Pilot Program participants, on an interim basis, during the 2012 funding year to provide time to establish a process to transition them into the permanent Rural Health Care support mechanism (RHC support mechanism). To support these transitioning Pilot Program participants, the funds that were previously designated for projects that withdrew from the Program or otherwise failed to meet the June 30, 2011, deadline could be used without increasing overall demand. DA 12-273(2/27/12) Word | PDF

      2011

      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this public notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment regarding a request for review of a USAC decision. DA 11-2016(12/19/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this public notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment regarding a request for review of a USAC decision that reduced rural health care support to Northeast Montana Health Services. DA 11-2017(12/19/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by Providence Seward Medical and Care Center seeking reversal of decisions of USAC, in which USAC reduced Providence Seward's funding requests for Funding Year 2009 under the rural health care support mechanism. DA 11-1762(10/21/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request filed by Horizon Health Care, Inc. (Horizon) seeking review of a decision of the USAC in which USAC determined that Horizon's administrative office is not a health care provider under section 54.601(1) of the Commission's rules and is not eligible to receive benefits under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program. DA 11-1761(10/21/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request filed by Annette Island Service Unit seeking a waiver of the rural health care FCC Form 466 filing deadline. DA 11-1760(10/21/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). On July 7, 2011, Richmond Connections, Inc. (Richmond) requested a waiver of section 54.611 of the Commission’s rules, which requires that the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) reimburse any monies due to a carrier from the universal service rural health care support mechanism only after an offset is credited against that carrier’s universal service support obligations. DA 11-1206(7/18/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by AT&T Corp. (AT&T) seeking reversal of a Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) commitment adjustment recovery action against AT&T. DA 11-1204(7/18/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this order, the Commission adopts an interim rule permitting health care providers that are located in a “rural area” under the definition used by the FCC prior to July 1, 2005, and that have received a funding commitment from the universal service rural health care program prior to July 1, 2005, to continue to be treated as if they are located in “rural” areas for purposes of determining eligibility for all universal service rural health care programs. In the NPRM, the Commission seeks comment on whether to make such “grandfathered” providers permanently eligible for discounted services under the rural health care program. FCC 11-101(5/21/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau extends by one year, to June 30, 2012, the deadline for participants in the Pilot Program to choose a vendor and request funding commitments from the USAC. The Wireline Competition Bureau also extends by one year the invoice deadline for Pilot Program participants. DA 11-819(5/3/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA), seeking reversal of Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) decisions denying rural health care universal service support for portions of certain funding requests for six KANA facilities. DA 11-706(4/18/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by Copper River Native Association (Copper River), seeking reversal of Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) decisions denying rural health care universal service support to portions of certain funding requests for four health clinics because Copper River violated the Commission’s competitive bidding rules. DA 11-705(4/18/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on a request filed by the California Telehealth Network (CTN) and the Palmetto State Providers Network (PSPN) for additional funding under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program (Pilot Program). DA 11-529(3/21/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on a request filed by the Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center (R-AHEC) for additional funding under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program (Pilot Program). DA 11-484(3/11/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment for waiver of the Rural Health Care Pilot Program Five Year Invoicing Deadline. DA 11-336(2/22/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by MiCTA for waiver of the Rural Health Care Program rules. DA 11-332(2/18/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on a request filed by the Southwest Telehealth Access Grid (SWTAG) for additional funding under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program (Pilot Program). DA 11-256(2/10/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). WCB Provides Guidance on Procedural Treatment of Additional Requests for Extension of the June 30, 2011 Deadline for Requesting Funding Commitments under the Universal Service Rural Health Care Pilot Program. DA 11-172(1/28/11) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on a request filed by the Health Information Exchange of Montana (HIEM) for additional funding under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program (Pilot Program). DA 11-95(1/19/11) Word | PDF

      2010

      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Oregon Health Network Request for additional funding under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program. DA 10-2415(12/28/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the Michigan Public Health Institute’s request for waiver of the five-year invoicing period under the universal service Rural Health Care Pilot Program. DA 10-2334(12/9/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request filed by the Indiana Telehealth Network for an extension of the June 30, 2011 deadline for participants in the universal service Rural Health Care Pilot Program to select a vendor and request funding commitment letters from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). DA 10-2297(12/6/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this order, we grant a request for review of a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company, denying funding for discounted services under the Rural Health Care universal service support mechanism to the Portland Area Indian Health Service. DA 10-1712(9/13/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), seeking reversal of Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) decisions denying rural health universal service support for portions of certain funding requests for 36 YKHC facilities. DA 10-1646(8/27/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by General Communications, Inc. (GCI), seeking reversal of Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) decisions denying rural health universal service support for portions of certain funding requests for Funding Year 2008. DA 10-1645(8/27/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Seeks comment on a Petition of the Nebraska Public Service Commission to permanently grandfather those health care providers who were eligible for universal service support under the Commission’s definition of “rural” prior to the Second Report and Order, but would no longer be eligible for universal service support after June 30, 2011. DA 10-1516(8/13/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Comments are due by September 8, 2010, and reply comments are due by September 23, 2010, for the Rural Health Care NPRM released by the Commission on July 15, 2010. DA 10-1454(8/9/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (WC Docket No. 02-60). FCC seeks comment on reforms to the Universal Service Rural Health Care Fund to expand the reach and use of broadband connectivity by health care providers throughout the nation. FCC 10-125(7/15/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). On June 4, 2010, Copper River Native Association (CRNA) filed a request for review of decisions of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), in which USAC denied funding to four health care clinics for more than three weeks in Funding Year 2008 because CRNA did not submit its competitive bid 28 days prior to the selection of its vendor as required under the Commission’s rules. DA 10-1121(6/23/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). Granted a request by Action Communications, Inc. (Action) for a waiver of section 54.611 of the Commission’s rules. Found that Action has demonstrated that good cause exists to waive the rule because Action has provided evidence that, absent waiver of the rule, it will be unable to sustain its operations and will be unable to provide discounted telecommunications services to the rural health care providers it serves. DA 10-1121(6/23/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Southwest Alabama Community Mental Health (SWAMH) request for review of a decision of the Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC) in which USAC determined that SWAMH’s administrative office is not a health care provider under section 54.601(1) of the Commission’s rules and is not eligible to receive benefits under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program. DA 10-1056 (6/10/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). WCB grants Bradford Regional Medical Center's request for reversal of a USAC decision denying funding for discounted services under the rural health care universal service support mechanism. In the draft order, we waive section 54.623(c)(3) of the Commission’s rules, which establishes the filing deadline for all required forms under the rural health care universal service support mechanism. DA 10-1022 (6/4/10) Word | PDF
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). WCB denies a request for review of a USAC decion to deny funding under the RHC program to Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (Tuba City). In the draft, we find that after changing service providers, Tuba City failed to timely submit a new FCC Form 466 before the June 30 filing deadline. Note, that the June 30 deadline was still codified in the Commission rules for funding year 2004. DA 10-724 (4/29/10) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau extends by one year, to June 30, 2011, the deadline for participants in the Rural Health Care Pilot Program to select a vendor and request a funding commitment from the USAC. DA 10-263 (2/18/10) Word | PDF

      2009

      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60).WCB provides notice that requests to extend the June 30, 2010 RHCPP deadline, filed after the Bureau issued a public notice seeking comments on the North Carolina extension request, will be treated as ex parte comments on the pending proceeding. DA 09-2609 (12/22/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Comments sought on the health care delivery elements of the national broadband plan. The notice also seeks input relating to the universal service rural health care support mechanism and the rural health care Pilot Program, specifically as such programs may assist in the deployment and adoption of broadband services. Comments are due December 4, 2009. DA 09-2413 (11/12/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 06-122). North Carolina Telehealth Network: Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request filed by the North Carolina TeleHealth Network for an extension of the June 30, 2010 deadline to file funding commitment requests under the universal service Rural Health Care Pilot Program. Comments are due December 2, 2009 and reply comments are due December 17, 2009. DA 09-2362 (11/2/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 06-122). Action Communications, Inc.: Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment a petition filed by Action Communications, Inc. (Action) for a waiver of section 54.611 of the Commission's rules, which requires USAC to reimburse any monies due a carrier from the universal service rural health care mechanism only after an offset is credited against that carrier's universal service obligations. Action also requests that the Commission grant an expedited stay of USAC's decision which would allow Action to continue to receive monthly rural health care support disbursements pending the Commission's review of the instant waiver request. Comments are due November 16, 2009 and reply comments are due November 23, 2009. DA 09-2356 (11/2/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Rural Health Care Pilot Program quarterly reports: In this Public Notice, WCB reminds Rural Health Care Pilot Program participants that quarterly reports are due October 30.  In addition, we remind participants of specific information which must be included in the reports. DA 09-2124 (9/28/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). TeleQuality Communications, Inc.: WCB grants a request by TeleQuality Communications, Inc. (TeleQuality) to waive section 54.611 of the Commission’s rules concerning reimbursement for services provided under the universal service rural health care support mechanism. We find that TeleQuality has demonstrated that good cause exists to waive this rule because, absent waiver, TeleQuality will be unable to sustain its operations and will be unable to provide discounted telecommunications services to the rural health care providers it serves. In this order, WCB also directs USAC to make an initial reimbursement payment no later than 10 calendar days from release of this order to TeleQuality for the current rural health care support payments to which it is entitled without deducting any universal service contributions that TeleQuality may owe. USAC shall also remit to TeleQuality any additional subsequent rural health care payments on a bi-monthly basis. DA 09-1807 (8/13/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). Juniata Valley Network and Pennsylvania Mountains Healthcare Alliance: The Wireline Competition Bureau grants a merger request from two participants in the Rural Health Care Pilot Program, the Juniata Valley Network (JVN) and Pennsylvania Mountains Healthcare Alliance and its designated agent, Pennsylvania Mountains Healthcare Resource Development (collectively PMHA). DA 09-1782 (8/12/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). North Carolina TeleHealth Network, Albemarle Health, Western Carolina University, and University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina: The Wireline Competition Bureau grants a merger request from four participants in the Rural Health Care Pilot Program, NCTN, Albemarle, WCB and UHS, to merge their respective Pilot Program projects and designate NCTN as the successor to Albemarle, WCU, and UHS. DA 09-1696 (7/31/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by TeleQuality Communications, seeking a waiver of section 54.611 of the Commission’s rules, which requires that USAC reimburse any monies due a carrier from the universal service rural health care support mechanism only after an offset is credited against that carrier’s universal service support obligations. TeleQuality also requests that the Commission grant an expedited stay of USAC’s decision, allowing TeleQuality to continue to receive bi-monthly rural health care support disbursements pending the Commission’s review of the instant waiver request. Comments are due June 19, 2009 and reply comments are due June 26, 2009. DA 09-1252 (6/5/09). Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 06-122). Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on requests for review filed by Verizon and Hospital Network Management, seeing reversal of USAC’s decision to seek recovery from Verizon of universal service rural health care funds relating to services it performed for HNM. Comments are due July 6, 2009 and reply comments are due July 20, 2009. DA 09-1265 (6/5/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Rural Health Care Pilot Program North Carolina Merger: WCB seeks comment on a request to merge four participants in the universal service Rural Health Care Pilot Program: the North Carolina TeleHealth Network (NCTN); Albemarle Health (Albemarle); Western Carolina University (WCU); and University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina (UHS). Comments are due June 19, 2009 and reply comments are due June 26, 2009. DA 09-1246 (6/5/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Rural Health Care Pilot Program Pennsylvania Merger: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request to merge two participants in the universal service Rural Health Care Pilot Program, Juniata Valley Network and Pennsylvania Mountains Healthcare Resource Development. Comments are due May 20, 2009 and reply comments are due May 27, 2009. DA 09-1018 (5/6/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). Rural Health Care Pilot Program Texas Projects Merger: In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau grants a request from two participants in the Rural Health Care Pilot Program, the Texas Healthcare Network (THN) and the Texas Health Information Network Collaborative (THINC), to merge their respective Pilot Program projects and designate THINC as the successor to THN’s Pilot Program project. DA 09-838 (4/16/09) Word | PDF
         
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Texas Healthcare Network and Texas Health Information Network Collaborative: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request to merge two participants in the universal service Rural Health Care Pilot Program, Texas Healthcare Network (THN) and Texas Health Information Network Collaborative (THINC). Comments are due by March 20, 2009 and reply comments are due by March 24, 2009. DA 09-578 (3/13/09) Word | PDF

      2008

      • Public Notice: Comment Sought On Request To Merge Mississippi Rural Health Care Pilot Program Projects. (9/19/08)
        Word | PDF
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). Notice of Rural Health Care Pilot Program Quarterly Report Filing Deadline: The Wireline Competition Bureau announces the July 30, 2008 filing deadline for Rural Health Care Pilot Program quarterly reports. DA 08-1751 (7/28/08)
        Word | Acrobat
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on two Requests for Review filed by Lake Delton Urgent Care and Franciscan Skemp Prairie du Chien Clinic that seek review of decisions of USAC. USAC’s decisions reduced the applicants' Rural Health Care funding requests for Funding Year 2006. Comments on the requests are due July 10, 2008, and reply comments are due July 25, 2008. DA 08-1365 (6/10/08)
        Word | Acrobat
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Fort HealthCare—Fort Memorial Hospital, Fort HealthCare—Lake Mills Clinic, and Fort HealthCare—Whitewater Clinic, and Franciscan Skemp Waukon Clinic’s requests for review of decisions by the Universal Service Administrative Company. Comments on the requests are due June 30, 2008, and reply comments are due July 14, 2008. DA 08-1230 (5/30/08)
        Word | Acrobat
      • Order on Reconsideration (WC Docket No. 02-60). In this Order on Reconsideration, the Commission grants in part a Petition for Reconsideration by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), seeking limited reconsideration of the Commissions’ Rural Health Care Support Mechanism Second Report and Order. Specifically, the Commission grants ATA’s Petition for Reconsideration in part and extends for three years the Commission’s prior determination to grandfather those health care providers who were eligible under the Commission’s definition of “rural” prior to the Second Report and Order. FCC 08-47 (2/14/08)
        Word | Acrobat
      • Office of Management and Budget Approves Rural Health Care Pilot Program Information Collection Requirements: DA 08-140 (1/22/08)
        Public Notice: Word | Acrobat WCB Letter to USAC on Rural Health Care Pilot Program Carry-Over of Funds.
        Letter: 1/17/08 Acrobat

      2007

      • FCC Launches Initiative to Increase Access to Health Care in Rural America Through Broadband Telehealth Services - 11/19/07
        News Release: Word | Acrobat
        Selected Participants: Word | Acrobat
        Corrected Order: Word | Acrobat
        Erratum (12/17/07): Word | Acrobat
        Order: Word | Acrobat
        Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
        Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
        Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
        Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
        McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). American Telemedicine Association Petition for Reconsideration - In this Order, the Commission sought comment on the American Telemedicine Association's Petition for Reconsideration of the Commission’s Second Report and Order, in which it requested that the Commission grandfather, for an indefinite period of time, rural sites that were no longer eligible for rural health care support under the new definition of rural in the Second Report and Order, but which were eligible prior to the date of the Second Report and Order. DA 07-1237 (3/13/07) Word | Acrobat
      • Order on Reconsideration (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Commission grant a Petition filed by National LambdaRail, Inc. (NLR) seeking reconsideration or, in the alternative, clarification of the Commission’s order establishing a rural health care pilot program to encourage the provision of telehealth and telemedicine services throughout the nation. Specifically, we find that pilot program applicants may request and, if selected, may receive funding to support up to 85 percent of the cost of connecting state and regional broadband networks to the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development, Inc. (Internet2) or NLR. We further find that an applicant that proposes to connect its state or regional broadband networks to Internet2 or NLR may either (1) pre-select Internet2 or NLR; or (2) seek a competitive bid for the provision of nationwide backbone services from Internet2 or NLR. To ensure the success of the pilot program, we expect that Internet2 and NLR will interconnect or peer with each other. Finally, we provide applicants with an additional thirty (30) days time to submit their applications to the Commission. FCC 07-6 (2/6/07) Word | Acrobat

      2006

      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Wireline Competition Bureau grants a request by Unicom, Inc. for a waiver of section 54.611 of its rules, which provides that any reimbursement made by USAC due a telecommunications carrier providing services eligible for rural health care universal service support is offset against its universal service obligation to the Universal Service Fund, calculated on an annual basis. DA 06-1976 (10/2/06) Word | Acrobat
      • Order (WC Docket No. 02-60). The Commission establish a pilot program to examine how the rural health care funding mechanism can be used to enhance public and non-profit health care providers' access to advanced telecommunications and information services. FCC 06-144 (9/29/06) Word | Acrobat

      2004

      • Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (WC Docket No. 02-60). The FCC expanded its program to bring up-to-date medical services and information to rural areas through telecommunications. Modified the rules to improve the effectiveness of the rural health care universal service support mechanism. FCC 04-289 (12/17/04) Word | Acrobat
      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). This public notice establishes the deadline for completing Funding Year 2003 application process for Rural Health Care Universal Service Support Mechanism. DA 04-2347 (7/28/04) Word | Acrobat
      • Order on Reconsideration Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). This order on reconsideration of the Rural Health Care order eliminates a duplicative annual report reporting requirement for USAC. FCC 04-15 (1/16/04) Word | Acrobat

      2003

      • Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration and FNPRM (CC Docket No. 02-60). This Order modifies the Commission's rules to improve the effectiveness of the rural health care support mechanism. FCC 03-288 (11/17/03) Word | Acrobat
      • Public Notice (CC Docket No. 96-45). Minnesota Public Utility Commission: The Wireline Competition Bureau initiates proceeding to consider the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Petition to redefine Rural Telephone Company Service Areas in the State of Minnesota. DA 03-3594 (11/7/03) Word | Acrobat
      • Order(C Docket No. 96-45 and 97-21). This order addresses requests for review of twelve tribal government offices seeking discounts under the rural health care universal service support mechanism. DA 03-2919 (9/23/03) Word | Acrobat
      • Order (CC Docket No. 96-45 and 97-21). Unicom, Inc.: Dismisses Request for Review and all related Supplementals and Petitions for Leave to File. DA 03-2898 (9/17/03) Word | Acrobat
      • Public Notice (CC Docket No. 02-60). This Public Notice announces the deadline for completing FY 2002 rural healthcare applications as October 8, 2003. DA 03-2633 (8/13/03) Word | Acrobat
      • Order (CC Docket No. 96-45). AMSC Subsidiary: The Order grants AMSC Subsidiary's request to withdraw its Emergency Petition for Clarification. DA 03-856 (3/24/03) Word | Acrobat

      2002

      • Public Notice (WC Docket No. 02-60). This Public Notice announces the New Universal Service Deadline for Completing Funding Year 2001 Rural Healthcare Application Process. (10/4/02) Word | Acrobat

      2000

      • FCC grants USAC’s request and waives the quarterly cap on collections and disbursements under the rural health care support mechanism for the first and second quarters of 2000. CC Docket No. 96-45, FCC 00-079. Text 3/7/00

      1999

      • Sixth Order on Reconsideration (CC Docket No. 97-21) and Fifteenth Order on Reconsideration (CC Docket No. 96-45). This Order reconsiders many of the Commission's conclusions in the Universal Service Order to simplify the process for rural health care providers to receive support from the universal service support mechanism. (11/1/99) Text | Word
      • Fourteenth Order on Reconsideration concludes that all telecommunications carriers that provide supported services to eligible rural health care provides at a discount, are entitle to have the total amount of the discount treated as a contribution to the universal service fund. CC Docket No. 96-45 (ETC Order), FCC 99-256 (11/3/99) Word
      • Universal Service Administrative Company Report: Evaluation of the Rural Health Care Program. Public Notice: (3/17/99) Text| WordPerfect
      • FCC Order Changing the Funding Year for the Rural Health Care Support Mechanism from a Calendar Year to a Fiscal Year Cycle and Extending the First Funding Year by 6 Months. (1/4/99) Text| WordPerfect

      1997

      • Report and Order (CC Docket No. 96-45). The FCC sets forth a plan that satisfies all of the statutory requirements, and puts in place a universal service support system that will be sustainable in an increasingly competitive marketplace. FCC 97-157 (5/8/07) Word | Acrobat

      [/tabs]