The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is offering grants of up to $250,000 for fast-track research that will provide evidence to inform policymakers in development of Meaningful Use (MU) Stage 3 EHR objectives.

“Given the current state of development, AHRQ is only interested in supporting applications that propose projects that can begin in September 2013, and which will disseminate results before June 2014,” according the funding notice.

The AHRQ seeks projects that evaluate implementation of proposed Stage 3 objectives in primary care practices and hospitals. In particular, strategies are sought for improving objectives at the policy level, incorporating EHR innovations that support meeting the objectives, and ways for providers to increase the value of MU objectives. The projects must include engagement of MU-eligible practices or hospitals in evaluating one or more proposed Stage 3 objectives.

“The time-sensitive nature of this policy relevant research necessitates that the applicant demonstrate capacity in resources and project management to support the timely dissemination of results of the project within nine months,” according to AHRQ. “In order to ensure rapid development and dissemination of these findings, study extensions will be strongly discouraged, and will be reviewed strictly on a case-by-case basis.” Applications are due by March 28.