The State Health Information Exchange Cooperative Agreements Program, authorized by Section 3013 of the PHSA as amended by ARRA, is designed to promote health information exchange (HIE) that will advance mechanisms for information sharing across the health care system. Widespread adoption and meaningful use of HIT is one of the foundational steps in improving the quality and efficiency of health care. The appropriate and secure electronic exchange and consequent use of health information to improve quality and coordination of care is a critical enabler of a high performance health care system.

• Purpose -- The overall purpose of this program is to facilitate and expand the secure electronic movement and use of health information among organizations according to nationally recognized standards. This program will be a Federal-State collaboration aimed at the long-term goal of nationwide HIE and interoperability. To this end, ONC awarded cooperative agreements to States and State Designated Entities (SDEs).

• Program -- This program is focused on preparing States to support their providers in achieving HIE meaningful use goals, objectives, and measures. The total funding for this initiative is $564,000,000.

• Grantees -- In March 2010, ONC completed the announcement of State HIE Cooperative Agreement Program awardees. In total, 56 States, eligible Territories, and qualified SDEs received awards.