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.