The US Department of Health and Human Services is announcing a new, sweeping restructuring that it says will “streamline and consolidate” strategy and policymaking for information technology, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence.
WHY IT MATTERS
According to HHS, the goal is to capitalize on new opportunities in these rapidly evolving technologies and will reallocate responsibilities to three existing agencies: the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, the Assistant Secretary for the Administration, and the Strategic Preparedness and Response Agency.
To “clarify and strengthen” HHS policies around those technological innovations:
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ONC will be renamed the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, ASTP/ONC
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Oversight of technology, data, and AI policy and strategy will shift from ASA to ASTP/ONC – including Chief Technology Officer, Chief Data Officer, and Chief AI Officer roles across HHS
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The 405(d) program, a public-private cybersecurity effort between the federal government and the health care industry, will transition from ASA to ASPR.
ASTP/ONC will take on more responsibilities, with current National Health IT Coordinator Micky Tripathi being appointed Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/National Health Information Technology Coordinator.
Under President Biden’s recent Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI, Tripathi was also appointed Acting Chief AI Officer.
Meanwhile, HHS will establish an Office of the Chief Technology Officer — and re-establish the role of the Chief Technology Officer, who will oversee strategy and policy on technology, data, and AI at the departmental and interagency level.
The company will also build new offices for its Chief AI Officer and Chief Data Officer.
The Director of AI will establish AI policy and strategy for the Department; establish policies, risk management measures, and internal governance for the use of AI within HHS; coordinate HHS’s approach to AI across health and human services; support the safe and appropriate use of AI technologies and tools across the department; and coordinate AI-related training and talent initiatives.
The Chief Data Officer will continue to oversee data governance and policy development; drive data literacy and data talent initiatives; manage HHS’s data strategy; support data collaboration and exchange; and manage HHS data as a strategic asset of the department.
The new ASTP/ONC has begun searches to fill the permanent positions of Chief Technology Officer, Chief AI Officer, and Chief Data Officer. HHS will host a webinar on these opportunities on August 1 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
ON PROFILE
“ONC has played a critical role in health IT across our agencies and with industry,” HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm said in a statement. “This reorganization builds on those capabilities to drive all of our technology, data, and AI policies and activities with a focus on our mission and strategy. These organizational changes will ensure that HHS is best positioned to serve the American people during this incredibly dynamic time in the technology space.”
“Cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence are some of the most pressing issues facing the healthcare space today,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “As a Department, HHS must be nimble, accountable, and strategic to meet the demands of this moment. For decades, HHS has worked across the organization to ensure technology, data, and AI are used appropriately and securely to advance the health and well-being of the American people. This reorganization builds on that success and prepares the Department for the challenges ahead.”
Mike Miliard is executive editor of Healthcare IT News
Email the author: [email protected]
Healthcare IT News is a publication of HIMSS.
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