Rural Health Care Outreach
Conference Call Minutes
January 8, 2004

This month’s conference call began with a discussion of Funding Year 2002 closeout. It was noted that about 50 applications were yet to be processed, but FY2002 was about to be completed. Anyone with unresolved funding commitment issues involving FY2002 was encouraged to call the customer service line (1-800-229-5476) immediately.

Discussion continued of the November FCC order, which expanded the scope of the rural health care program. An explanation of key points of the order is summarized on the RHCD website and in past conference call minutes. RHCD noted that the process to apply for Internet support will be short and simple, but encouraged applicants with questions about service eligibility under this new provision to call the customer service line prior to submitting applications.

It was noted again that RHCD intends to open the window for FY 2004 in late March. Updated forms are at OMB for approval. As soon as they are approved and loaded to the website, RHCD can officially open the window. A new brochure explaining the application process has been created and a mailing will take place in mid-February. It was also noted that the comment period for the last FCC NPRM would close February 23rd, with reply comments due 45 days after that.

RHCD stated that they would be conducting beneficiary audits for FY2003 applications in 2004. The importance of document retention was highlighted. An explanation of documentation that auditors might want to review will be discussed on the February call.