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fcclogo PUBLIC NOTICE

Federal Communications Commission
1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News media information 202 / 418-0500
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov



June 18, 1997


FORUM TO PROMOTE STANDARDS
FOR TELEHEALTH EQUIPMENT TO BE HELD JULY 17


On July 17, 1997, the FCC and the non-profit group Healthcare Open Systems & Trials (HOST) will co-sponsor a forum to promote the adoption of standards for telehealth equipment. Other government agencies supporting the forum include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Interagency Joint Working Group on Telemedicine (JWGT), and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women's Health.

The FCC's Advisory Committee on Telecommunications and Health Care stated in its October 15, 1996, report that a lack of standards and the resulting incompatibility of telehealth systems is an obstacle to the development of telehealth. The Committee suggested that the government help bring together members of the industry and the medical community to work toward the adoption of standards and open architecture for telehealth equipment and networks. This forum is a response to that recommendation.

Chairman Hundt said "the FCC wants to address one of the barriers to telehealth's expansion highlighted by our Advisory Committee: a lack interoperable of equipment standards. This forum will help to further the goal set by Congress of increasing Americans' access to health care through the promotion of telehealth services."

Manufacturers and vendors of telehealth equipment, health care providers, members of government agencies and of the general public are invited to attend the meeting, which will take place at FCC headquarters at 1919 M St. NW. Pre-registration is required. For scheduling and registration information, contact HOST at (202) 434-4771 or "meeting@hostnet.org".

- FCC -