Rural Health Care Outreach
Conference Call Minutes
September 9, 2004

RHCD announced that issuance of Funding Commitment Decision Letters has been temporarily suspended while USAC moves to government accounting standards. Applications are still being processed, support schedules are being issued, and invoices are being paid.

RHCD staff restated that September 20, 2004 is the deadline for filing FCC Form 466 for rural health care providers seeking telecommunications service discounts for Funding Year 2003 (July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004). Applicants must have their completed FCC Form 466 packet (including bills and supporting documentation) postmarked by September 20, 2004. RHCD also noted that several applicants are overdue to submit Form 467s for FY2002 to receive their discounts, before RHCD closes the books on the 2002 Funding Year.

Currently, the FCC is considering a new definition of rural, as announced in last November’s Rural Health Order. No decision has been made, but RHCD believes a Final Rule will be issued in this fall, most likely to take effect for the 2005 Funding Year. Callers asked about how to deal with non-responsive service providers. Staff recommended calling RHCD to provide relevant details. RHCD also reminded service providers that participation in the program is not optional and that they must work with RHCD to provide discounts if requested by eligible health care providers.