New England Health IT Initiatives

With 62 Regional Extension Centers across the US and each state hosting its own HIE initiative, MeHI collaborates with all neighboring states to promote the adoption of healthcare information technology. Some neighboring initiatives and Regional Extension Centers include:

Rhode Island

http://www.docehrtalk.org/

The RI Regional Extension Center (REC) was formed as part of a federal grant aimed to assist Rhode Island based healthcare providers in adopting, implementing and optimizing electronic health records (EHRs) to achieve Meaningful Use Objectives.

Vermont

http://www.vitl.net/why-vitl/programs-services

Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL) is a non-profit organization created to help the Vermont medical community fully leverage the advantages of information technology. VITL has been designated as the sole regional extension center for Vermont by The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

Maine

http://www.hinfonet.org/REC.html

Using federal funds awarded through the Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center Program, HealthInfoNet assist health care providers across Maine select, install and effectively use electronic health records to improve patient care.

As part of the program, the Maine Regional Extension Center (MEREC) connects providers with discounted electronic health record products and services, and helps them understand and meet federal meaningful use requirements. Additionally, some providers can qualify for $3550 in MEREC funding.

Connecticut

http://www.ehealthconnecticut.org/REC.aspx

On April 8, 2010 eHealthConnecticut received a $5.7 million grant from the Office of the National Coordinator, US Department of health and Human Services to support health care providers in accelerating the adoption of health information technology. The goal of the Connecticut REC is to help Connecticut’s providers select, implement, and achieve meaningful use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems in order to enhance healthcare quality, safety and efficiency.

New Hampshire

http://www.maehc.org/rec_nh_index_.html

It is the goal of the Regional Extension Center of New Hampshire (REC NH) to be the unbiased, trusted resource for electronic health records and Health IT in New Hampshire. By enrolling with REC NH, practices and providers will have access to a variety of training and consulting resources to help them achieve Meaningful Use and obtain the maximum incentives available.