Introduced by Hawaiʻi’s own Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) as well as Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act was signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016. This bipartisan bill aims to increase access to high quality healthcare and health education in rural or underserved areas. Project ECHO, which was started in 2003, allows providers to learn from specialists and consult about cases via video teleconferencing. The Act requires that the Secretary of Health and Human Services examine whether technology based projects such as Project ECHO have an impact on workforce development, access to healthcare, and the treatment of specific diseases such as chronic diseases and mental health and addiction issues. The Secretary will also report on any problems faced when adopting technology based learning models. Additionally, cost effectiveness and effective practices of those who have adopted such models will be included in the report.

Senator Schatz’s Press Release: www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-obama-signs-schatz-hatch-tele-training-bill-into-law

For the full text of the Act please visit: www.congress.gov/114/bills/s2873/BILLS-114s2873enr.pdf