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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on 15th April that the application window for Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program would open from 12:00 p.m. ET Thursday, April 29, and closes at 12:00 p.m. ET Thursday, May 6, 2021. Unfortunately, this means the portal will only be open for seven calendar days. The FCC Telehealth Grant was originally designed to help health care providers by providing reimbursements to purchase telecommunications equipment, broadband connectivity, and other devices necessary for providing telehealth services to rural, low-income, and underserved populations. However, on June 25, 2020, the Commission announced that they would no longer approve proposals for the first round of COVID-19 FCC Telehealth grants.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) provided an additional $249.95 million to fund a second round of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to support health care providers and patients in all 50 States, DC, and Territories. On March 30, details were released regarding the second round of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program for non-profit or public entities that fall within the categories of health care providers under section 254(h)(7)(B) of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Read Telehealth.org’s recent blog about Round 2 of the COVID-19 FCC Telehealth Grant Announced for the background information.
Eligibility for FCC Telehealth Grant Round 2
The Round 2 eligibility criteria for the health care provider are the same as the Round 1. The program remains open to eligible health care providers regardless of whether they are located in a rural or non-rural location. Round 1 applicants that were not funded will need to submit a new application and are eligible for an increase in points in Round 2. The maximum FCC telehealth grant for any single provider will be $1 million.
Application
The healthcare providers applying for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program must first obtain the following three steps in advance:
- Request an eligibility determination from USAC by filing an FCC Form 460
- Obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and an FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) ID
- Register for a System for Awards Management (SAM) account
“For over a year, health care providers have fought on the front lines of this pandemic and have had to rapidly innovate to support the health and well-being of all Americans,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Telehealth has been at the forefront of this effort, and I’m pleased to announce that additional support is just around the corner.”
For additional information regarding the second round of FCC telehealth grants, see Universal Service Administrative Company’s website.
Introduction to Telehealth Theory & Practice
Enjoy a fast-moving overview of telebehavioral and telemental health. Understand the key points related to telehealth clinical, legal, ethical, technology, reimbursement, social media and other pivotal issues.
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Our individual private practice mental health practitioners eligible for this Grant? It looks like it is only for big clinics or groups. Am I reading this correctly?
Cyndie, These grants often schedule informational meetings to answer all such questions, or you can write to the granting source directly. Our role is to share the news. Best, Marlene