Media Contact: 
Evan Swarztrauber, (202) 418-2261
evan.swarztrauber@fcc.gov 

For Immediate Release

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR
On His Vote to Improve Access to Telemedicine in Rural Areas

	WASHINGTON, June 13, 2018—FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr released the following statement on his vote to approve a draft order that would address a funding shortfall and improve access to telemedicine in rural areas. 

	“Too many Americans living in our country’s rural communities are at risk of falling behind when it comes to high-quality, affordable healthcare.  It often is difficult to find specialists in many rural communities and even basic care can be out of reach, as we see rural hospitals closing by the dozen.  The FCC’s Rural Health Care Program can help make a difference.
	“I saw this two weeks ago when I visited Lennox, South Dakota (pop. 2,111).  I had the chance to tour a skilled nursing facility—supported by the FCC’s Rural Health Care Program—and see how they are using broadband-enabled technology to improve patient outcomes and eliminate unnecessary costs.  One way they do this is through their ‘Johnny 5’.  It’s a connected workstation that allows patients at the Lennox facility to visit virtually with a doctor located in Sioux Falls or elsewhere.  This broadband connection has eliminated the need for the long and sometimes arduous ambulance ride into bigger cities and gives patients access to specialists that they might otherwise be unable to see.  
	“But the Rural Health Care program is running into a funding shortfall, which is creating uncertainty for participating providers and patients alike.  So I am glad that FCC Chairman Pai circulated a draft order that would address the shortfall and provide longer-term certainty by adjusting the annual funding cap for inflation.  This decision has my support, and I have voted to approve the item.”

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Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @BrendanCarrFCC
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).