Federal HIT Grants and Loans: Steps to Take in Preparation

M E M O R A N D U M
 
 

Since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) (P.L. 111-5) contained funding for Health Information Technology (HIT), I wanted to provide you with the latest information on how long term care may access the grants and loans in support of our profession�s HIT efforts.

Note that long term care (LTC) is not eligible for most of the $19 billion in HIT monies, as the primary recipients will be physicians and hospitals. However $2 billion will be provided to states in the near future to set up revolving loan funds to which LTC providers (SNFs, NFs, AL, etc.) may apply. These low interest loans may be used for the following purposes: purchase Electronic Health Record (EHR) technology; enhance the utilization of such technology; train personnel; and improve the secure electronic exchange of health information. The other funding opportunity for LTC will be grants through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the adoption of EHRs.

Beginning the week of March 9th, information on these grants and loans will begin to appear on www.grants.gov. However, between now and then, there are some activities our membership should consider doing if they want to apply for these HIT dollars. Specifically:

1. Facilities and companies interested in submitting a federal grant application, especially those who have not done so in the past, should visit www.grants.gov and complete the process for creating a facility or company profile, during which you will be assigned a unique applicant number.
2. Give some thought to how these dollars might best be utilized by your company, facility, or in the broader context of your specific health care community. The latter would necessitate your reaching out to your health care partners and working together to apply, which may be advantageous.
3. With such programs in the past, funding has been distributed by state health department officials. You should phone your contacts there, or contact others in your state you believe can be helpful, to let them know of your interest in the revolving loan program and to make sure you are on their radar screen to receive information on the application process as it begins to roll out.

Closer to the end of March, additional details on the low interest loan program will be made available through www.grants.gov. You should continue to check this site. AHCA/NCAL staff will be continuing to monitor as well and providing updates to you as quickly as possible.

• FACT SHEET ON MEDICARE AND MEDICAID HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: TITLE IV OF THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT