Carr Welcomes FCC’s Quick Approval of Applications for Covid-19 Telehealth Funding

FCC Approves First Set of Applications for COVID-19 Telehealth Funding

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2020—Today, the FCC approved the first set of applications for funding from its new $200 million Emergency COVID-19 Telehealth Program.  With this initial batch of approvals, the FCC is providing over $3.2 million to support our country’s healthcare heroes as they implement telehealth solutions as part of the nation’s response to COVID-19.  The FCC fast-tracked this new program just days after Congress appropriated funding through the CARES Act by building on the connected care proceeding that Commissioner Carr launched in 2018.  And FCC staff has now approved this first set just three days after the application window opened.

The approved funding will go to the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta; Hudson River HealthCare, Inc., in Peekskill, New York; Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, Neighborhood Health Care, Inc., in Cleveland; UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh; and the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr applauded the quick action by FCC staff.  “The FCC has moved with unprecedented speed to support the nation’s response to COVID-19.  I am pleased that this initial batch of $3.2 million in funding will be used to stand up telehealth programs so that our country’s health care heroes can treat both COVID-19 patients and those experiencing a range of other health conditions.  This will help ensure that patients can receive high-quality care without having to leave their homes, which is particularly important with social distancing recommendations in place.  I look forward to seeing the positive results that these and future approvals will deliver for so many Americans.  And I applaud the dedicated FCC staff that processed these applications just days after the application window opened,” Commissioner Carr stated.

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Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr