Group Flags Problem With Telehealth Funding Program

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition raised concerns it said it brought up in the past that members of the group can’t seek funding for a telehealth project using FCC Form 460 until a site is open, said a filing posted Tuesday in docket 17-310. “This means there is no process to allow … funding for up to more than a year of operation,” SHLB said: The Universal Service Administrative Co. “has indicated it takes this approach based on direction from the FCC, so we are writing to see if you would be willing to direct USAC to change this as an administrative matter.” SHLB said it brought the issue up in a meeting with Wireline Bureau staff earlier this month and since the discussion “several SHLB members have volunteered that they are again having this problem this year, some with multiple sites.”