Although the institute operated for five years with just one employee (and now has two, plus a part-time assistant), its board of directors includes just about very mover and shaker in Rhode Island health care — from the presidents of the largest hospitals to the leaders of the largest insurer

Chief among [its] goals has been getting Rhode Island “wired” — developing ways for doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and others to communicate electronically.

The institute is supported by donations from various health-care agencies. Its biggest donor is Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, which has provided a total of $1.6 million, followed by the Lifespan hospital group, with $508,000.