A new association, the Association of Regional Centers for Health Information Technology, or ARCH-IT, has been formed aimed at providing a voice for regional extension centers (RECs). RECs provide assistance and guidance for the adoption and use of health information technology within a localized community.

“We are excited about this development and look forward to working with the Office of the National Coordinator and other stakeholders to promote health information technology adoption through the country,” Jonathan Fuchs of the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, ARCH-IT’s President, said in a statement.

The intent and mission of ARCH-IT is to compliment activity in the HIT environment, create enduring sustainable organizations and “to promote and facilitate the integration of operational efficiency, clinical efficacy and revenue maximization in clinical practices through the adoption and use of health information technology.”

RECs were born out of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. According to ARCH-IT, as of April, more than 140,000 healthcare providers had enrolled in REC programs nationwide.

“In the short time they have been operational, RECs have become trusted advisors for the health care providers they serve and play a crucial role in helping small practices adapt to the rapidly evolving health care environment,” Lisa K. Rawlins of the South Florida Regional Extension Center, ARCH-IT’s Vice President, said in a statement.