On July 2, 2008, the Vermont Department of Information and Innovation released a Request for Quotation (RFQ) (1107-VHITF/JM) seeking competitive, fixed price proposals to conduct an independent study of the new Vermont Health Information Technology Fund. An award ranging between $15,000 and $25,000 per year for a two year period will begin September 1, 2008. The closing date for the proposals is 8/8/2008.
The study will evaluate the effectiveness of programs and initiatives funded through the Technology Fund and will include data on the return on investment. The study findings will be presented to the Secretary of Administration and the Commissioner of DII no later than September 1, 2009. The State intends to use the results of the study to make future policy decisions on the allocation of health IT funds and the need for continuation of the fund in future years.
The Fund was established during the 2008 legislative session and must be used to promote and improve healthcare IT in the state. Starting in October 1, 2008, each health insurer operating in the state will pay a quarterly fee into the Health IT Fund. This Health Care Information Technology Reinvestment Fee is expected to raise a total of $32 million over the next seven years.
State government entities and Vermont Information Technology Leaders Inc. (VITL) a non-profit public private partnership will be able to draw money from the Health IT Fund. The money is to be used to help, independent primary care practitioners purchase and implement EHRs and practice management systems, provide financial support to build and operate the HIE, implement the Vermont Blueprint for health IT initiatives, implement the advanced medical home project, and help to provide consulting services.
For more information on the RFQ, contact John McIntyre (802) 828-2210 or email john.mcintyre@state.vt.us. For additional information, go to www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids.
