I thought this might be helpful to any healthcare professionals out there…

The Minnesota Department of Health-Office of Rural Health and Primary Care administers an electronic health record (EHR) loan program to help finance the implementation or support of interoperable EHR systems. Loan funds are primarily intended for EHR software, hardware, training and support expenses.

Loans are six-year, no-interest with the first year’s repayment deferred. Eligible entities: federally qualified health centers; community clinics; nonprofit or local units of government hospitals; individual or small group physician practices that are primarily focused on primary care; nursing facilities and local public health departments.

Note: Priority will be given to the following applicants: critical access hospitals; federally qualified health centers; entities that serve uninsured, underinsured and medically underserved individuals (urban or rural); and individual or small group practices that are primarily focused on primary care. The commissioner has the authority to approve other providers of health or health care services when interoperable electronic health record capability would improve quality of care, patient safety or community health.

Estimated funds available: $1,000,000
Estimated number of approved loans: 4-8
Estimated award range: $50,000 – $250,000

It doesn’t look like it pays for the broadband necessarily – but it would help with other aspects of EHR implementation. Applications are due April 1