Cramer: Rural Health Care Connectivity Bill Strengthens Broadband Accessibility At Rural Facilities

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer participated in a hearing this week that addressed increasing broadband accessibility to skilled nursing facilities in rural areas. The hearing was held by the Communications and Technology subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, of which Cramer is a member.

H.R. 4111, the Rural Health Care Connectivity Act of 2015, is sponsored by Cramer, along with Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) and Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA). It addresses the gap in health information technology broadband connectivity that impacts skilled nursing facilities, including several in North Dakota. This legislation amends the Communications Act of 1934 to include skilled nursing facilities as among the types of health care providers who may request support from a telecommunications carrier under the Universal Service Fund (USF).

Testifying at the hearing was Dan Holdhusen, director of government relations for the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, which operates 10 of North Dakota's 80 skilled nursing facilities. In his testimony, Holdhusen said this legislation would make available to skilled nursing homes the necessary telecommunications and information services in rural areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged for similar services in urban areas.

"With skilled nursing homes serving towns such as Arthur, North Dakota (population 337), it's obvious how important broadband connectivity is to rural areas," said Cramer. "By making these facilities eligible for USF funding and expanding broadband connectivity in rural areas, the Rural Health Care Connectivity Act will allow North Dakotans increased access to much-needed healthcare without having to travel long distances to receive care."

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