March 20-21, 2003

ITEM 118-1501-R0303   Authorization to Finish Two Rooms in the Chemistry/Biology Building to Accommodate the Interim Home of the National Center for Health Care Informatics; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana Tech of The University of Montana to finish two rooms (approximately 1,700 square feet) in its Chemistry/Biology Building to accommodate the interim home of the National Center for Health Care Informatics. This request is to approve spending authority of $188,255 for architectural and construction costs.

EXPLANATION: Montana Tech and St. James Healthcare have worked together to create a new BS and AAS degree in Health Care Informatics at Montana Tech. That program started during Fall Semester 2002.

St. James has also taken the lead on a federal grant request to create the National Center for Health Care Informatics that will eventually be built on the property of St. James Healthcare in Butte, Montana. In September 2002, a $400,000 federal grant was received to construct the interim site for the National Center for Health Care Informatics at Montana Tech.

Montana Tech has identified two rooms in its Chemistry/ Biology Building that could be used for the interim center. Because of a lack of funding, these rooms were left unfinished when renovation of the facility was completed in 1999. The grant funds would be used to complete and equip one room into a 24-seat multi-media classroom for use by the students in the Health Care Informatics curriculum. The second room would be finished and equipped to accommodate offices and storage space. All construction would conform to the construction standards established during the renovation completed in 1999.

The entire project will be financed by non-State funds and will result in no new programs.

 

ATTACHMENTS: 1) Additional information

2) Draft Lease

3) Schematic Drawings

4) Estimated Itemized Equipment List