Teleconference Meetings – Soon a reality
By Becky H. Boober
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has begun installing teleconference equipment
in at least seven of its offices around the state, including: Machias, Ellsworth, Bangor,
Aroostook County, Augusta (221 State), Lewiston, and Portland.
Here’s what we know thus far:
- Each site will have at least two rooms available for use with the teleconference
equipment: a conference room for groups and a smaller room, such as an interview room, for
one to three individuals needing to use the teleconference equipment.
- Scheduling the meeting rooms will give preference to accommodating use of the
teleconference equipment whenever feasible.
- Requests for a teleconference meeting by non-DHS groups must be received by the
designated staff person in the appropriate offices a minimum of two weeks before the
event. Since scheduling is on a first-come-first-served basis with priority for DHS
programs, additional advance notice is encouraged.
To offset operational costs, non-DHS groups using the teleconference equipment may be
charged a nominal fee, (e.g. $50 per hour for up to five sites). DHS plans to use these
sites with its telemedicine program and to support its collaborative efforts and
operations. More on that, and more scheduling details in next month's issue, so stay
tuned!
Becky Boober may be reached with questions via e-mail at becky.h.boober@state.me.us. |
