Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act

Summary

Expands the services covered by the federal rural distance learning and telemedicine program to explicitly include cybersecurity support, digital literacy, and workforce development and job training (including training for workers who build rural broadband). It replaces narrower references to “telemedicine” or “distance learning” with broader language covering the newly listed services and directs program managers to consider workforce needs when evaluating applications. The change amends the existing statute that governs the program and becomes effective six months after the Act is enacted. The amendment does not itself appropriate new funds but changes what the program can fund and what factors administrators must consider.

• Expands the rural distance learning and telemedicine program to include cybersecurity, digital literacy, and workforce development/job training.
• Replaces narrow references to telemedicine or distance learning with broader language covering newly listed services.
• Adds a requirement that program administrators consider workforce development and job training needs in grant decisions.
• Takes effect six months after enactment.
• Does not itself appropriate new funding; uses existing program authority and will rely on current or future appropriations for implementation.
• Applies to the statute in the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 governing federal rural distance learning and telemedicine programs.
• Enables projects that support broadband buildout workforce training to be considered eligible activities.
• Likely increases options for rural schools, health providers, and communities to fund cybersecurity and digital skills alongside telehealth and distance learning.