HRSA announces $12 million rural health IT grant program

The Health Resources and Services Administration unveiled details of a $12 million grant program designed to assist rural healthcare providers qualify for incentive payments under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for successfully using electronic health-record systems. HRSA will distribute up to 40 grants through the Rural Health Information Technology Network Program to "rural providers who work in formal networks, alliances, coalitions or partnerships" to help them achieve meaningful use of their electronic health-record systems.