WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, will convene a hearing on Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. titled, “Advancing Telehealth Through Connectivity.” 

The hearing will examine the progress made by the private sector and government entities to expand the benefits of telehealth nationwide, particularly in rural areas. The meeting will also explore the connectivity challenges facing many health-care providers and patients attempting to take advantage of innovative telehealth applications.

From continuous monitoring of serious health conditions from home over the Internet to real-time consultations with medical professionals, advancements in telehealth have the potential to revolutionize the health-care industry and drastically improve access to care. Several federal entities have a jurisdictional role in supporting the deployment of telehealth technologies. Relevant agencies include the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Trade Commission. 

Last Congress, the Senate passed S.Res.588, a resolution recognizing that access to hospitals and health-care providers for patients in rural areas is “essential to the survival and success of communities in the United States.” The resolution stated that Congress must address the unique health-care needs of rural areas, in order to ensure that those communities continue to thrive. Underscoring demand and rapid growth in the industry, the global number of patients using telehealth services has been predicted to grow from 350,000 in 2013 to 7 million by 2018.    

Witnesses:

• Dr. Kristi Henderson, Chief Telehealth and Innovation Officer, University of Mississippi Medical Center

• Mr. Jonathan D. Linkous, Chief Executive Officer, American Telemedicine Association

• Dr. M. Chris Gibbons, Distinguished Scholar in Residence, Connect2HealthFCC Task Force, Federal Communications Commission

• Mr. Todd Rytting, Chief Technology Officer, Panasonic Corporation of North America 

Hearing Details:

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

10:00 a.m.

Communications, Technology, Innovation, & the Internet Subcommittee hearing titled, “Advancing Telehealth Through Connectivity.”  

This hearing will take place in Senate Russell Office Building, Room 253. Witness testimony, opening statements, and a live video of the hearing will be available at http://commerce.senate.gov.

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