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OREGON HEALTHCARE STATEWIDE
NETWORK PLANNING
The initial planning
meeting was held on:
November 17, 2006.
On September 26th, the FCC adopted an Order that establishes a
PILOT PROGRAM to assist
in the establishment of statewide or regional health networks. In summary,
the FCC will provide 85% of the funding for the design, engineering,
and implementation of connectivity for non-profit healthcare facilities to
create a statewide health network. In addition, the FCC will fund 85% of the
cost to connect the statewide health network to a nationwide high-speed
network such as Internet 2.
These funds can benefit
healthcare providers in Oregon by connecting existing regional networks,
extending these networks or providing new infrastructure where necessary to
ensure that every hospital and clinic in Oregon (especially those in our
rural areas) has the opportunity to access local high-speed connectivity
to take advantage of telemedicine and other telehealth services. Attached to
our invitation to attend this very important strategic planning session is
the news release announcing the new FCC order and a copy of the Order?
The timeline for
applying for the FCC funds is very short. In order to create a truly
collaborative effort, and to ensure our ability to meet the requirements and
deadline for application, the Telehealth Alliance of Oregon (TAO) is
organizing a facilitated statewide strategy session of interested parties to
determine how to proceed. The meeting will take place on November 17th from
9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Market Square Building in downtown Portland. We
are also identifying several remote video conferencing sites throughout
Oregon for those individuals who cannot travel to Portland. The consulting
firm of e-Copernicus from Washington, DC will be facilitating the meeting
(please see attached agenda). If you would like more information on
e-Copernicus, visit their WEBSITE.
Please join us in this very important discussion. Working together, we can
ensure that every Oregonian has access to quality healthcare, regardless of
their location.
Meeting Agenda
I. Introduction and overview of federal universal service
support
for health care (Rohde and Anderson)
A. Rural Health Care program to date;
B. New FCC program -- announced fall 2006;
C. Working with
Federal programs -- Elements of Success.
II. Presentation on the Oregon rural health care network
(Rob Myers)
A. The current reach and use of the Oregon health care network;
B. Other networks that exist in the State of Oregon and
utilization
of such;
C. Identification
of needs for expansion and use of the network(s).
III. Going Forward and Developing a Strategy
(Audience / Moderated by Rohde and Anderson)
A. Project Identification - Prioritizing
Needs and
Objectives;
B. Building a collaborative approach -
Identifying Committed
Partners;
C. Financing /
Project Budget;
D. Preparing work plan, application and follow-up;
E. Building political support;
F. Next steps /
Roles and
Responsibilities.
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