Cramer: Rural Healthcare Telemedicine Bill Passes House Committee With Broad Bipartisan Support
Press Release
A bill sponsored by Congressman Kevin Cramer that increases broadband accessibility to skilled nursing homes in rural areas has been passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. H.R. 4111, the Rural Health Care Connectivity Act of 2015, addresses the gap in health information technology broadband connectivity that impacts skilled nursing facilities, including several in North Dakota. Cramer made his remarks at the hearing prior to the committee action Thursday, where it passed by a voice vote.
H.R. 4111 amends the Communications Act of 1934 to include skilled nursing facilities as among the types of health care providers that may request support from a telecommunications carrier under the Universal Service Fund.
"It would be hard to overstate the importance of the ability for rural healthcare facilities, especially skilled nursing facilities, to have access to these funds to bring this type of opportunity," Cramer told the committee. "The opportunity that technology provides for greater access for patients in rural America, especially skilled nursing facilities, adds to quality of life, scores favorably, and can prevent greater healthcare problems, saving even more money. It's a pleasure to be part of something that is this positive."
At a hearing on the bill last month, Dan Holdhusen, director of government relations for the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, testified about how this legislation would bring to skilled nursing homes in rural areas the necessary telecommunications and information services at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged for similar services in urban areas. The Good Samaritan Society operates 10 of North Dakota's 80 skilled nursing facilities.
Cramer said he looks forward to voting for its passage on the House floor in the coming months. "This bill is yet another example of how access to much-needed health care in rural areas is a bipartisan issue. This bill, if passed into law, will give North Dakota skilled nursing facilities one additional tool necessary to increase the quality of life for their residents and prevent long-distance travel for health care."
In addition to Cramer, H.R. 4111 is sponsored by Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) and Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA).
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