transaction. (6) To assess barriers to the adoption, implementation, and effective use of electronic health care transactions and operating rules, as well as to explore, identify, and plan options, approaches, and resources to address barriers and make improvements. (7) The facilitation of public and private initiatives to reduce administrative costs and accelerate the adoption, implementation, and effective use of electronic health care transactions and operating rules for State programs. (8) Developing, testing, implementing, and assessing additional data exchange specifications, operating rules, incentives, requirements, tools, mechanisms, and resources to accelerate the adoption and effective use of the transactions and operating rules. (9) Ongoing needs assessments and planning related to the development and implementation of administrative simplification initiatives. (e) Coordinating entity (1) Functions Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall designate a coordinating entity under this subsection for the purpose of— (A) providing technical assistance to States relating to the simplification of administrative transactions and operating rules, increased standardization, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the transmission of health care information