Captioned Telephone Eligibility: What the FCC Wants Providers to Know-Captioned Telephone Eligibility: What the FCC Wants Providers to Know (Recording)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar provides information on Internet Protocol Caption Telephone Service (IPCTS) and the eligibility requirements for users. IPCTS allows individuals with hearing loss to speak during a phone call and read captions on a specialized device. The FCC has expressed concerns about aggressive marketing of IPCTS and the potential misuse of the service. They are working on reforms to ensure that the program is sustainable and only used by those who truly need it. The FCC proposes requiring self-certification of eligibility from users and is considering the reestablishment of third-party certification by qualified professionals. They also recommend that hearing health professionals inform patients about IPCTS as an option if it may improve their ability to hear over the telephone. It is important to assess each individual's specific communication needs and consider other assistive technologies that may be more appropriate. The FCC has not imposed fines for over-marketing or inappropriate assessments, but they do monitor marketing materials and address any concerns informally with providers. The FCC also encourages hearing health professionals to reassess the need for IPCTS if new technologies become available that may better serve the patient's needs. The FCC has proposed a requirement for self-reassessment by users every two years. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the TRS Fund, which supports IPCTS, is used efficiently and that individuals who truly need the service have access to it.

Keywords

Internet Protocol Caption Telephone Service

IPCTS

eligibility requirements

FCC

aggressive marketing

misuse of service

reforms

sustainability

self-certification

third-party certification