Summer 2015
State Non-Profit Licensing Program begins.

Licensing Program -  September 15, 2010
RTC's right to grant technology licenses to the E-Visit and WebVisit patents has been renewed.

HIMSS - Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia March 1 - 4, 2010
Our staff met software developers, potential IP licensees, and health IT insiders at the HIMSS national conference this week. We attended numerous classes and breakout session to enable us to stay focused on the direction of HIT. (Link)

Non Exclusive Patent Licenses Granted -  February 15, 2010
RTC has granted its second non-exclusive patent license under its Licensing Program. RTC's  newest licensee represents a major US health insurance company, but has also requested anonymity.

Voluntary Licensing Program -  January 5, 2010
In addition to its own patent licenses, RTC has been granted the exclusive marketing right to further license US Patent Nos. 5,801,755 and 6,046,761 which covers E-Visit health care consultation. All licensing activity is being performed on a non-discriminatory, non-invasive, fully paid-up basis in support of support RTC's rural, indigent and Native American health care missions. RTC marketing rights are set to expire on September 15, 2010. All RTC personnel are 100% volunteers, so potential Licensees are encouraged to request a term sheet, a draft license agreement and to enter into good-faith discussions well in advance of the deadline.

NRHA - Annual Meeting, Miami, Florida May 5 - 8 2009, Miami, Florida
The directors of the RTC attended the annual conference of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). Our focus was on networking with state-level programs.

America Telemedicine Association - Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada
April 26 - 28, 2009
The directors of the RTC attend the 14th annual meeting and exposition of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).

Congress Passes Medicare Reform (HR 6331) allowing expanded use of Telemedicine
On July 15, 2008, H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, was successfully enacted into law (Public Law 110-275) after both the Senate and the House successfully overrode President Bush’s veto. Introduced by Rep. Charles Rangel (DNY) on June 20, 2008, H.R. 6331 contained several payment-related provisions, including one to expand the list of eligible originating sites for telehealth services to skilled nursing facilities and community health centers. Here was have included a marked-up summary of the Act and marked-up full copy of the act. RTC has patent protection over a system that has been permitted my this Act. This Act becomes effective January 1, 2009.

U.S. Senate passes Controlled Substances Act - Bill heads to the House
April 1, 2008
S.980 amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to address online pharmacies. It requires online pharmacies to register and to report to the Attorney General (AG) regarding controlled substances dispensed via the internet.  Online pharmacies are required to notify the AG prior to dispensing, delivering, or distributing medications. S.980 also defines the practice of telemedicine and includes special registration requirements for practitioners who engage in the practice of telemedicine. This bill has been sent to the House of Representatives and is now in subcommittee. (Link)

RTC staff attends HIMSS meeting in Orlando
February 24 - 28, 2008, Orlando, Florida
We will be meeting with software developers, potential IP licensees and health IT insiders at the HIMSS national conference this week.

Health Care discussion with Congressman Duncan Hunter
May 23, 2007, Columbia, South Carolina
This morning it was our pleasure to have breakfast simultaneously with 2008 Presidential Candidate, Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and retired Air Force General Chuck Yeager. The RTC staff is made up of scientists who are working to advance health care. Health care is as much about politics as it is about science. Regardless of party affiliation, we take every opportunity to educate our lawmakers on the state of the technology so they can make informed health care decisions. This will allow RTC to better serve our constituents.

Navajo Code Talkers Reception
February 5, 2007, Lexington, South Carolina
In honor of their heroic contributions to our country in the Pacific theater during WWII, the RTC board of directors hosted a private reception in honor of the Navajo Code Talkers Keith Little, Samual Tso and their families at the home of the executive director.

First National Rural HIT Conference
Sponsored by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
September 21 - 23, 2006, Kansas City
RTC directors will attend the first national conference on “Health Information Technology: A Rural Provider’s Roadmap to Quality”, September 21-23, 2006 at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott.

This meeting is being convened by Capitol Hill Health IT series sponsor the federal Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) to engage rural health care providers and vendors, including: small and solo physician practices; Critical Access and other rural hospitals; Rural Health Clinics; Federally Qualified Health Centers; and HIT companies interested in serving rural health care providers

Capitol Hill Briefing on EHRs
September 13th, 2006, Washington, DC
RTC directors will attend the Capitol Hill briefing on the: “The Electronic Health Record, Community Health Information Exchange and State Initiatives: An Update and Status Report”, in Room SR-385 Russell Senate Office Building. The session is sponsored by the “Steering Committee on Telehealth and Healthcare Informatics” in coordination with series sponsor eHealth Initiative.

United South and Eastern Tribes (USET)
June 4 - 7, 2006, Verona, New York, Turning Stone Resort
At the invitation of USET's president Mr. Keller George and Executive Director Tim Martin, the directors of RTC made their second presentation to USET. RTC is interested in assisting American Indians with health education and behavioral health issues through the use of telemedicine and telehealth programs.

National Rural Health Association - Annual Meeting, Reno, Nevada
May 17th - 19th, 2006. The directors of the RTC attended the annual conference of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).

America Telemedicine Association - Annual Meeting, San Diego, California
May 7th - 10th, 2006. The directors of the RTC attended the 11th annual meeting and exposition of the American Telemedicine Association.

RTC invited Telemedicine speaker at United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) annual meeting in Washington, DC
February 6 - 9, 2006
United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET) is dedicated to enhancing the development of Indian Tribes and assisting the member Tribes and their governments in serving the broad needs of Indian people. RTC Director Scott Echerer made a telemedicine presentation to the Board of Directors of USET at the 2006 Impact Meeting on the morning of February 7th.

Discussion with Congressman Charles Rangle (D-NY) at a Capitol Hill Reception.
February 8, 2006. While attending a Capital Hill reception for speakers at the annual USET meeting, RTC director Scott Echerer spent some time discussing Indian health care with New York Congressman Charles Rangle.