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Mental Health Director recommending ratification of his signature on a Letter of Agency to the California Telehealth Network approving participation in the California Telehealth Network's Rural Health Care Pilot Program.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve.
FUNDING: University of California Grant/Federal Communications Commission.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: There is no Fiscal Impact and no Change to Net County Cost.
Background: On November 20, 2007 the University of California received a three-year, $22 million grant award from the Federal Communications Commission for assistance in developing a new California Telehealth Network (CTN). This network will include the communication highway and off-ramps to all of the providers' sites. The grant will fund 85% of the creation of the CTN that will improve access to rural and underserved areas. The University of California was able to secure $35 million of support in addition to the $22 million award that will allow counties to participate at no cost.
The CTN is expected to connect more than 300 rural sites with each other and with a network of health centers including academic medical centers and health providers statewide. The network will provide state-of-the art technology and security. In addition, the CTN will be developed as a resource for emergency services and disaster preparedness and link California providers to a nationwide healthcare network.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote that, "The accelerated deployment of broadband telecommunication technologies in California, specifically for use in telemedicine, is one of the top priorities of my administration. The FCC Pilot Program will complement and add great value to our State's Health Information Technology and Broadband Initiatives, which encourage public and private sector stakeholders to join with California's rural health care providers in developing a statewide telemedicine network."
Reason for Recommendation: The Department became aware of the California Telehealth Network's Rural Health Care Pilot Program on July 11, 2008 when the initial deadline was July 30, 2008. Due to the short timeline to respond, the Department submitted the required Letter of Agency and is now requesting Board approval for the Department to remain a prospective candidate in the California Telehealth Network's Rural Health Care Pilot Program.
Within the next three years, the University of California will inform the applicants of which providers are selected. Currently, they are expecting to include all applicants in the pilot program.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
The Department will provide the Board with an update regarding provider selection once that notification is received.
Contact: John Bachman, Mental Health