The primary purpose of the Rural Health Health Information Technology Network Program is to support rural organizations in their ability to effectively achieve "meaningful use" requirements. The Rural Health Information Technology Network Program is authorized under Section 330A (f) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. The purpose of the program is to expand access to, coordinate and improve the quality of essential health care services, and enhance the delivery of health care in rural areas. The program will support rural providers who work in formal networks, alliances, coalitions or partnerships in their effort to effectively acheive "meaningful use" requirements. Funds provided through this program are not used for direct delivery of services.
Upon completion of the grant program, a network should have completed a thorough strategic planning process, business planning process, and have a sounds strategy in place for sustaining its operations. Some anticipated outcomes of supporting the development of rural health networks include: achieving economies of scale and cost efficiencies; increasing the financial viability of the network, enhancing professional development; enhancing workforce recruitment and retention; sharing staff and expertise across network members; enhancing the continuum of care; ensuring continuous quality improvement of the care provided by network members.
It is anticipated that this will be a one-time funding opportunity to assist networks in attaining meaningful use standards for electronic health records and other HIT activities that will support the achievement of meaningful use. Some activities that can be supported by grant funds are as follows: workforce analysis; EHR strategic plan development; EHR training; purchase of HIT equipment; identify and locate certified HIT equipment vendors; and installation of broadband.
Networks should have a history of organizational collaboration and must have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) prior to applying to this program.
The Rural Health Information Technology Program supports HRSA's goals of improving access and quality of health care, improving health outcomes, and improving public health and health care systems. The Program also supports HHS goals to improve the quality, affordability, and accessibility of health care and to promote the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Please refer to http://www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms/ or http://healthit.hhs.gov/standardsandcertification for more information regarding meaningful use and certification criteria.
A nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, the RCWE’s mission is to connect people with jobs through collaborative workforce development efforts and strong partnerships with economic development, business, education, and government sectors in the Northwest Pennsylvania region.
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