Discussion of federal policies affecting broadband expansion and telehealth in Appalachia.

Abstract

Background: There have been 188 rural hospital closures in the United States since 2010 with approximately 20% of these in Appalachia. Telehealth has become a way that nurses can reach rural patients who might not otherwise receive health care.

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to (1) outline the federal policies enacted during COVID-19 for broadband expansion; and (2) suggest how advanced practice nursing care might be affected by broadband expansion and telehealth in the region.

Methods: A search of PubMed was conducted in January 2023, using the search words, "policy", "telehealth", "broadband", and "Appalachia".

Findings: New laws appropriated funds to expand broadband infrastructure that made it possible for telehealth to be used by nurses to deliver health care to rural patients.

Conclusion: This discussion paper found that broadband legislation was instrumental in expanding telecommunications and telehealth by NPs. There is a great need for broadband to continue to expand and for trained nurses to provide care via telehealth.