Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; HITECH Health Information Technology Regional Extension Program
This notice announces the draft description of the program for establishing regional extension centers to assist providers seeking to adopt and become meaningful users of health information technology, as required under Section 3012(c) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
The Extension Program provides grants for the establishment of Health Information Technology Regional Extension Centers (Regional Centers) that will offer technical assistance, guidance and information on best practices to support and accelerate health care providers’ efforts to become meaningful users of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). The consistent, nationwide adoption and use of secure EHRs will ultimately enhance the quality and value of health care.
Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
HITECH Grants
HHS Overview of the Recovery Act: http://www.hhs.gov/recovery
Learn More About Recovery Programs
For more information on the Recovery Act or related documents, please consider the following links:
- U.S. Government site for ARRA: Recovery.gov
- HHS Recovery Act Programs: http://www.hhs.gov/recovery
- Indian Health Service Health IT Funding: http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/ihs/fundingdescription.html
- Indian Health Service: Health Information Technology Implementation Plan [PDF 225KB]
- ARRA Legislation Text: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
