Washington, D.C. —
The United States Senate today passed by unanimous consent an amendment offered by Senator John Thune to the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill that would provide an additional $6.8 million for the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth to increase access to telehealth resources across the nation. The amendment would bring the total funding for the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth to $13.8 million.
"Through telehealth, a patient in Platte, South Dakota can visit with his specialist in Sioux Falls through tele-monitoring technology without traveling a great distance for the visit.
"In South Dakota, telehealth technologies are utilized by our three major hospital networks, Avera, Sanford and Rapid City Regional. Additionally, many of the rural health clinics who serve the healthcare needs of some of the smallest communities in our state also utilize these technologies. These organizations touch more than 40 different communities across the state."
Senator Thune's amendment would increase funding to expand support for existing and new telehealth resource centers. Currently, these centers provide support to many telehealth providers in their regions. It would also support telehealth network grants, demonstrations, and pilot programs for telehomecare.
Nearly 400 individuals and organizations across the country have voiced their support for a $13.8 million appropriation for the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth.
The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill must be voted on by the full Senate.
"Through telehealth, a patient in Platte, South Dakota can visit with his specialist in Sioux Falls through tele-monitoring technology without traveling a great distance for the visit.
"In South Dakota, telehealth technologies are utilized by our three major hospital networks, Avera, Sanford and Rapid City Regional. Additionally, many of the rural health clinics who serve the healthcare needs of some of the smallest communities in our state also utilize these technologies. These organizations touch more than 40 different communities across the state."
Senator Thune's amendment would increase funding to expand support for existing and new telehealth resource centers. Currently, these centers provide support to many telehealth providers in their regions. It would also support telehealth network grants, demonstrations, and pilot programs for telehomecare.
Nearly 400 individuals and organizations across the country have voiced their support for a $13.8 million appropriation for the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth.
The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill must be voted on by the full Senate.