North Dakota Is Giving Rural Hospitals Up To 500K To Modernize Patient Records

North Dakota Health and Human Services announced a new funding opportunity aimed at helping rural health care providers upgrade and improve electronic medical record systems.

State officials say the effort is designed to support clinics and hospitals that are working to meet growing patient needs with limited staffing and resources. By strengthening existing systems, providers can improve communication between care teams, reduce administrative workload and better coordinate both medical and behavioral health services.

Commissioner Patrick Traynor said rural providers are already finding ways to adapt, but additional support is needed to ensure they can continue delivering care close to home.

The program, known as the Electronic Medical Record Enhancement funding opportunity, focuses on improving how patient information is managed and shared. Projects could include expanded system capabilities, new technology tools and the use of artificial intelligence to help providers track care and improve efficiency.

The initiative is part of the state’s broader Rural Health Transformation Program, which emphasizes better connectivity between providers, improved access to data and more modern health care delivery systems.

Funding of about $500,000 per awardee is available in the first year, with opportunities to request additional support for qualifying projects. Eligible applicants include critical access hospitals, rural hospital systems, Federally Qualified Health Centers and tribally operated health facilities.

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Applications are due July 29 at 5 p.m. Central time. A virtual information session for interested applicants is scheduled for July 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.