EMR Modernization
Modern technology. Stronger connections. Better care for rural Maine.
The Maine Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) supports healthcare organizations in modernizing their electronic medical record (EMR) systems and using technology to improve care for people living in rural communities.
MCD Global Health is leading the EMR Modernization work in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS).
Together, MCD and Maine DHHS are working to support healthcare organizations as they plan and implement EMR modernization projects and prepare for future funding opportunities. The EMR Modernization team at MCD will also provide technical assistance during the program implementation period.
Year 1
Year 1 applications are closed
The application period for Year 1 EMR Modernization funding closed on August 14, 2026.
Information about future funding opportunities will be shared as plans are finalized.
Click to learn more about Year 1 funding:
Funding Details
Eligiable organizations
Year 1 funding was available to:
- Critical Access Hospitals
- General Hospitals with a dedicated Emergency Department
- Hospital-owned Primary Care Practices and Rural Health Clinics
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and FQHC “look-alike” clinics
- Independent Rural Health Clinics
- Independent Primary Care Practices located in rural areas
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
- Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)
Organizations also had to meet additional program requirements.
Please note: Year 1 eligibility does not necessarily mean the same organizations will be eligible for Year 2.
Eligiable projects
Allowable uses include:
- EMR system replacements (transitioning from one EMR vendor or product to another).
- EMR system upgrades (e.g., version upgrades, added modules, improved interoperability).
- EMR enhancements (e.g., population health bundles, AI modules, coding systems).
- EMR peripherals or other hardware (e.g., laptops, mobile carts).
- Associated staff time for implementing EMR improvements (e.g., IT consultant).
- Cybersecurity improvements.
Funding uses and requirements may change for future funding years.
Emerging Insights
Maine is making strong progress in Year 1 of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) EMR Modernization initiative, with broad participation from rural healthcare providers across the state. In partnership with MCD Global Health, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services provided extensive outreach and technical assistance to support applicants, including office hours, FAQs, and ongoing guidance throughout the application period. As a result, 55 organizations, representing nearly 90% of eligible providers, submitted applications requesting more than $29.4 million to support 206 electronic medical record (EMR) modernization projects.
The proposed projects span more than 26 EMR vendors and include system replacements, upgrades, enhancements, and new module implementations across hospitals, federally qualified health centers, behavioral health providers, opioid treatment programs, rural health clinics, and independent primary care practices. The strong response highlights significant demand for technology modernization throughout Maine’s rural healthcare system and provides a clear roadmap for future investments that will strengthen care delivery, improve efficiency, and support the long-term health needs of rural communities.
Year 1 Timeline
- January 1, 2026: Earliest date for which incurred EMR costs can be reimbursed by these funds (these funds cannot be used for costs incurred before this date).
- July 20, 2026: EMR application portal opens.
- August 14, 2026: EMR applications due.
- Mid-September 2026: Award amounts communicated to organizations.
- Fall 2026: Contracts executed with providers.