A new federal funding opportunity is focused on improving how laboratory data are shared and used across the health system.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) has released its FY26 Leading Edge Acceleration Projects (LEAP) Notice of Funding Opportunity, supporting projects that address key challenges in health data interoperability.
What stands out: One funding track focuses on helping small, independent laboratories improve data quality and adopt standardized coding systems.
What’s being prioritized:
- Projects that assess laboratory data quality and identify gaps in how data are captured and exchanged.
- Solutions that help labs adopt standard codes such as Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC), SNOMED Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT), and Unified Codes for Units of Measure (UCUM).
- Tools and approaches, including mapping solutions, that support a transition away from local codes.
- Scalable approaches that align with national laboratory data standards.
Why it’s relevant: Improved use of standard codes supports more consistent data exchange across systems and helps ensure laboratory data can be reliably used for clinical care and population health decisions.
Funding details: Up to $500,000 is available for projects in this area.
What to know: Applications are due by noon ET on July 16.