Rural Health Care Outreach
Conference Call Minutes
March 11, 2004

RHCD staff confirmed the opening of the application window for March 29, 2004. Staff further stated that the OMB approval for all relevant 2004 application Forms is on schedule for the window opening. Ms. Lisa Zaina, USAC’s new CEO, was introduced to participants on the call.

Internet eligibility was then discussed. RHCD staff stated that besides the 25% discount on Internet access, that certain other services, such as web hosting, were continuing to be evaluated. RHCD staff further stated that these details would be clarified before the first 466-A Forms are due. Form 466-A is new to FY2004 and is used by applicants to notify RHCD of the start of Internet service.

The comments submitted to the FCC surrounding the definition of “rural” were summarized for the conference call participants. State flexibility, Grandfathering and the use of state or any federal definition were discussed. The drawbacks of RUCA with regards to certain states were a key topic point.

RHCD staff also stated that the new Urban Rates for 2004 would be posted along with new information regarding FY 2004 on March 29, 2004. Since RHCD will be conducting audits for FY 2003, staff noted that guidance will be posted on our website shortly. FY 2003 is expected to close in late summer 2004 or early fall.