Update, September 2: HHS has posted new and revised program materials online: a transcript of its August 27 technical assistance conference, an FAQ, and a revised preliminary application template.

The first applications from aspiring health IT resource centers are due in two weeks—September 8. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology will award grants in two additional cycles with initial deadlines in December and June. ONC announced the deadlines in a press event last week.

Program details and the full application schedule appears in the funding opportunity announcement on the Health and Human Services health IT Web site. Applications will be screened in two phases. Successful preliminary applicants will be requested to submit a full application for merit review.

Initial Cycle Approx Funding Preliminary Application Preliminary Approval Full Applications Awardee Selection
1 $189,000,000 September 8, 2009 September 29, 2009 November 3, 2009 December 11, 2009
2 $225,000,000 December 22, 2009 January 19, 2010 March 2, 2010 April 27, 2010
3 $184,000,000 June 1, 2010 June 22, 2010 August 3, 2010 September 28, 2010

 

The centers are part of the HITECH Act in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). ONC released a draft plan for public comment in late May.

The regional centers will furnish education, outreach, and technical assistance to help providers select, successfully implement, and meaningfully use certified EHR technology.  They will also help providers achieve, through appropriate available infrastructures, exchange of health information in compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and patient preferences.

ONC expects to establish 70 or more centers supporting 100,000 primary care providers. Each center will serve a defined geographic area.