AHA urges FCC to extend COVID-19 program to all direct care facilities

AHA yesterday urged the Federal Communications Commission to grant expedited approval to its request that the agency extend the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to all hospitals and other direct patient care facilities, regardless of their size, location, or for-profit or not-for-profit status.

"Members of the health care community have already responded to Commissioner Carr's request for input and have strongly supported AHA's Petition," the association wrote. "Communities across the nation rely on all of America's health care providers (HCPs) to be there for them in times of emergencies. ... While the health care community is doing everything it can under extremely difficult circumstances, more financial support must be provided to HCPs across the board if they are to fully leverage telehealth in their efforts to stem the staggering toll of the virus while maintaining access to care for non-COVID patients."