FY13 Announcement of Anticipated Availability of Funds for the Adoption and Implementation of Health Information Technology in Family Planning Services Grants Region 7 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is the FY13 Region 7 Health Information Technology (HIT) Adoption and Implementation grant, Funding Opportunity Number PA FPH 13 048. It is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered through the Office of Population Affairs (OPA) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health.

What is the purpose of the grant?

The purpose is to help Title X family planning providers modernize their health information systems so they can continue delivering high-quality, primary and preventive reproductive health services as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) changes coverage, billing expectations, and provider network participation.

Why does the grant focus on health information technology now?

The program is based on the idea that family planning clinics need stronger electronic systems to serve existing patients and newly insured clients more efficiently, meet evolving administrative and reporting demands, and maintain clinical quality in a changing health care environment.

What are the main outcomes this grant is intended to support?

The grant targets three main outcomes: (1) adoption and implementation of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology, (2) helping centers achieve "meaningful use" and pursue Medicaid and Medicare EHR Incentive Program payments, and (3) supporting clinical and operational quality improvements made possible through HIT (such as workflow improvement, better data capture, stronger quality measurement, and improved patient tracking and follow-up).

What types of technology projects are emphasized?

The opportunity emphasizes practical, clinic-facing technology upgrades, including establishing or enhancing electronic medical record/electronic health record (EMR/EHR) systems and improving reporting capacity and documentation to better align with ACA-era expectations.

Does the grant specifically support certified EHR adoption and implementation?

Yes. One of the central focuses is adoption and implementation of certified EHR technology, particularly where paper systems or outdated electronic tools make it difficult to coordinate care, document services consistently, and report performance.

What is meant by "meaningful use" in the context of this grant?

The announcement indicates that the grant aims to help family planning centers achieve "meaningful use" standards and successfully pursue Medicaid and Medicare EHR Incentive Program payments. (Specific meaningful use requirements would be defined by the applicable EHR Incentive Program rules, but this opportunity frames meaningful use as a desired outcome.)

How does this grant relate to Medicaid and Medicare EHR Incentive Program payments?

The grant is intended to help centers meet meaningful use standards and pursue Medicaid and Medicare EHR Incentive Program payments, which the announcement notes can offset costs and support long-term sustainability.

What kinds of operational or quality improvements can HIT support under this opportunity?

The announcement highlights improvements such as better workflow, improved data capture, stronger quality measurement, and more reliable patient tracking and follow-up.

What business or administrative improvements are expected to be addressed in an application?

Applications are expected to explain how the proposed HIT improvements will strengthen both service delivery and the business side of providing care, including improvements that can expand third-party billing capacity, support Medicaid enrollment activities, and increase the ability to participate in different provider networks.

How does the grant connect to ACA-related changes?

The grant is designed to help Title X sites align clinic operations with ACA-era expectations, including more standardized documentation, improved reporting capacity, and smoother integration with payer and network requirements.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to Title X family planning service grantees that were funded as of June 30, 2013. Local and regional public or private nonprofit entities that hold a Title X grant can apply directly.

Can subrecipient agencies apply directly?

No. Subrecipient agencies cannot apply on their own. They must participate through their Title X grantee.

How many applications may a Title X grantee submit?

Each Title X grantee is limited to submitting one application.

Can one application cover multiple service sites or subrecipients?

Yes. A single application may cover multiple service sites and/or benefit multiple subrecipients within the Title X project.

What is a core requirement regarding how funds will be used?

A core requirement is that the application clearly spell out exactly how funds will be used and identify which agencies or sites within the Title X project will be supported.

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated up to 100 awards.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is tied to CFDA 93.217 (Family Planning Services).

What is the award size range?

Awards range from a minimum (floor) of $20,000 to a maximum (ceiling) of $250,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on April 10, 2013.

What was the application deadline?

The application deadline was May 17, 2013.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was archived on June 16, 2013.

Where were applicants directed for official instructions and submission logistics?

Applicants were directed to the full announcement on Grants.gov for official application instructions and submission logistics.

Who should be contacted for Grants.gov technical access issues?

The announcement notes that the Grants.gov Contact Center was provided for technical access issues.