The New Jersey State Department of Health has announced an award of $1.57 million to a coalition of health organizations to create and operate a statewide network that will enable the sharing of patient health information electronically.

The New Jersey Health Information Network (NJHIN) will connect regional health information organizations that are currently exchanging data among local healthcare providers. NJHIN is expected to become operational in early 2014. The network will initially connect approximately 2,000 providers, which will increase over time, officials say.

"The creation of the New Jersey Health Information Network will further expand the use of health information technology and health information exchange to better coordinate patient care in our state," New Jersey health commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd said in a statement. "NJHIN will allow appropriate healthcare providers across the state to have electronic access to patient information such as medical histories, medication allergies and lab test results at the point of care."

Funding to create NJHIN is provided through a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant.