Topeka ? The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has applied for $9 million in federal grants to encourage physicians to switch patient records to computers.

Officials say a four-year project would create statewide infrastructure allowing health care providers to share patient information securely and quickly between computers rather than paper.

Supporters of electronic medical records say the technology improves medical care and can cut costs. The federal government wants all Americans to have an electronic medical record by 2014.

The Kansas agency has created an advisory council representing more than 30 health care groups to help plan the project. The council will begin meeting Friday in Topeka.