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The federal government is offering a total of $12 million in one-time grants to help networks of rural health-care providers achieve "meaningful use" of electronic health record systems.

The Rural Health Information Technology Network Program anticipates awarding about 40 grants of $300,000 each, on average. The program's target is "rural providers who work in formal networks, alliances, coalitions or partnerships" and are trying to achieve meaningful use, according to the grant notice published Wednesday by the Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Health-care providers that successfully implement EHRs can receive millions of dollars in federal incentives through Medicare and Medicaid over the next few years. To qualify, they must demonstrate that those EHRs meet federal guidelines for meaningful use, so getting the right health IT and having it work as it's supposed to is critical.

Eligible organizations include Native American tribal governments, 501(3)(c) nonprofits (other than colleges and universities), networks that primarily serve migrant and seasonal farm workers, and other health-care networks that serve rural communities.

Applications are due by May 27. Networks "should have a history of organizational collaboration" and a formal memorandum of understanding before applying.