[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 249 (Tuesday, December 30, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 75245]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-31958]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality


Notice of Availability on Transforming Healthcare Quality Through 
Information Technology (THQIT)--Implementation Grants

AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: This notices announces the availability of a Request for 
Applications (RFA) on Implementation grants to evaluate the effects of 
health information technology (HIT) on improving patient safety and 
quality of health care.
    The objective of this RFA is to support organization and community-
wide implementation and diffusion of HIT and to assess the extent to 
which HIT contributes to measurable and sustainable improvement in 
patient safety, cost and overall quality of care. Research resulting 
from this RFA should inform AHRQ, providers, patients, payers, 
policymakers, and the public about how HIT can be successfully 
implemented in diverse health care settings and lead to safer and 
better health for all Americans.

DATES: The following dates will assist the applicant in timing the 
development of his/her application:
    [sbull] Technical Assistance (TA)--Respond by January 27, 2004. TA 
conference call date: January 29, 2004, at 1 pm e.s.t.
    [sbull] Letter of Intent Receipt Date--Due to AHRQ February 6, 
2004.
    [sbull] Application Receipt Date--April 22, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The RFA was published on November 20, 2003, in the NIH Guide 
for Grants and Contracts (NIH Guide). This document is available at 
http://www.ahrq.gov (under Funding Opportunities) or at the NIH Guide, 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-04-011.html.
    More information on the TA, where to send your application, etc. is 
described in the RFA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Young, M.D., Center for Primary 
Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships, Agency for Healthcare 
Research and Quality, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, Telephone: 
(301) 427-1580, FAX: (301) 427-1597, E-mail: [email protected].
    It is recommended you carefully review the RFA prior to attendance 
at the TA session.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this notice potential applicants are 
informed that this RFA includes a cost sharing requirement. Specific 
details of the cost sharing component are included in the RFA.
    This RFA uses the U01 Cooperative Agreement mechanism. The funds 
available for FY 04 for this RFA are up to $24 million. AHRQ intends to 
fund up to 48 new implementation grants with up to $14 million 
earmarked for rural and small hospitals. The project period for funded 
grants is up to three years.

    Dated: December 17, 2003.
Carolyn M. Clancy,
Director.
[FR Doc. 03-31958 Filed 12-29-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-90-M