Nursing facilities are eligible for reduced rates for telecommunications and broadband access through a new federal program.

The Rural Healthcare Connectivity (Act) was passed by Congress and enacted into law on June 22. It authorizes eligible (NFP, rural) skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to participate in the Rural Health Care Program (RHCP) for assistance with payment for broadband expansion and expenses.

The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the administrative arm of the FCC. RHCP funding is available through a July 1-June 30 funding year, and applications can be made anytime within the current funding-year window. The program carries an annual $400 million funding-year cap.

To learn more, sign up for the RHC 101: Intro to the RHC Program seminar scheduled for Oct. 11.