The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) released a brief examining how state agencies and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) work together to use health information technology (HIT) and health information exchange (HIE) funding opportunities through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to improve health systems.  The brief gives an overview of the funding opportunities for HIT and HIE under the ARRA and examines the experiences of Massachusetts, Oregon, and Tennessee.

From the report:

FQHCs have a significant role to play in advancing innovations in the delivery of health care. Their role in providing essential services to vulnerable populations also positions FQHCs on the front lines of health care delivery reform. The adoption and use of health information technologies in FQHCs may help advance their capacity to support comprehensive care delivery to the most needy patients. The Federal Government has made a considerable investment in these technologies in both the states and the delivery system through ARRA. Now it is time to implement.  

Full report: Collaborating with Health Centers to Leverage HIT for System Improvement (PDF | 146.33 KB)

National Academy for State Health Policy.  (2010).   Collaborating with health centers to leverage HIT for system improvement.  Osius, E. and Alfreds, S.