{"id":27114,"date":"2020-04-15T04:45:35","date_gmt":"2020-04-15T04:45:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.mtelehealth.com\/?p=27114"},"modified":"2020-04-15T04:45:35","modified_gmt":"2020-04-15T04:45:35","slug":"fcc-releases-200m-covid-19-telehealth-program-guidance-your-questions-answered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drmiltie.com\/at-home-testing\/fcc-releases-200m-covid-19-telehealth-program-guidance-your-questions-answered\/","title":{"rendered":"FCC Releases $200M COVID-19 Telehealth Program Guidance: Your Questions Answered"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On April 2, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (\u201cFCC\u201d) released its Report and Order 20-44<\/a> outlining how it plans to distribute $200 million appropriated to it by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the \u201cCARES Act\u201d). The COVID-19 Telehealth Program (the \u201cProgram\u201d) will allow eligible providers to be reimbursed for \u201ctelecommunication services, information services, and devices necessary to enable provision of telehealth services, on a temporary basis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FCC will make the COVID-19 Telehealth Program Application and Request for Funding Form (the \u201cApplication\u201d) publicly available as soon as the Office of Management and Budget (the \u201cOMB\u201d) approves the Program\u2019s information collection requirements, and will begin accepting Applications immediately thereafter. Program funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are capped at $200 million. Thus, early applicants will have a better chance of receiving the limited funding. Providers who are interested in seeking funding should familiarize themselves with the Program\u2019s requirements and take steps to ensure they are prepared to submit their applications once the process is opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As discussed below, eligible providers will be able to use Program funds to purchase a range of eligible devices and services including internet connectivity services, smart phones or tablets, asynchronous audio\/video platforms, and devices used for remote patient monitoring. The Program will terminate when the funding is exhausted or when the pandemic ends, whichever occurs earlier. While more guidance is needed to fully understand the reimbursement mechanics, it appears that an eligible provider will be awarded a sum certain amount of money based on projected costs of eligible services or devices described in the provider\u2019s Application. After purchasing the eligible services or devices, the eligible provider will be required to submit an invoice supporting the costs of its purchases. The FCC will then reimburse the eligible provider an amount supported by the invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pursuant to FCC guidance<\/a> released on April 8, 2020, providers must take three immediate steps if they are interested in applying. First, the provider must file FCC Form 460<\/a> to receive a determination regarding the provider\u2019s eligibility for the Program. Each service site that will be included in the Application must obtain an eligibility determination, thus each service site must file a separate FCC Form 460<\/a>.[1]<\/a> Second, the provider must obtain a FCC Registration Number (\u201cFRN\u201d) using the Commission Registration System (\u201cCORES\u201d)<\/a>. The FRN is a unique 10-digit code assigned to the registrant and is used by the FCC to \u201cidentify the registrant\u2019s business dealings with the FCC.\u201d Among other information, providers will need their taxpayer identification number to obtain a FRN. Finally, interested providers must register with the System for Award Management<\/a> (\u201cSAM\u201d). Among other information, a DUNS number is required to register with SAM, thus providers may need to first obtain a DUNS number here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have prepared a FAQ below to assist those interested in exploring eligibility or applying for the Program. At the end of each FAQ, we provide certain steps providers should consider taking to prepare for the Application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

(1)        Who is Eligible for Program funding?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEligible health care providers\u201d are \u201cnonprofit and public eligible health care providers\u201d that fall within the following categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. post-secondary educational institutions offering health care instruction, teaching hospitals, and medical schools;<\/li>
  2. community health centers or health centers providing health care to migrants;<\/li>
  3. local health departments or agencies;<\/li>
  4. community mental health centers;<\/li>
  5. not-for-profit hospitals;<\/li>
  6. rural health clinics;<\/li>
  7. skilled nursing facilities; or<\/li>
  8. consortia of health care providers consisting of one or more entities falling into the first seven categories.[2]<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Interested providers should analyze whether they fall within any of the eight categories (i.e., determine whether the provider is an \u201celigible health care provider\u201d), and submit FCC Form 460<\/a> (one for each service location) to determine eligibility, if the provider has not done so previously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    (2)        What can Program funds be used for?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Funds can be used to purchase telecommunication or information services and connected devices to provide \u201cconnected care services.\u201d Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n