The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is unveiling a new department-wide restructuring that it says will “streamline and strengthen” strategy and policymaking for information technology, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT
The goal is to capitalize on new opportunities presented by these rapidly evolving technologies, according to HHS, and to redistribute responsibilities among three existing agencies: the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, the Assistant Secretary for Administration and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
To “clarify and consolidate” HHS policies around these technological innovations:
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ONC to be renamed Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Health Information Technology Coordinator, ASTP/ONC
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Oversight of technology, data, and AI policy and strategy will shift from ASA to ASTP/ONC – including the HHS-wide roles of chief technology officer, chief data officer, and chief AI officer
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The 405(d) programa public-private cybersecurity effort between the federal government and the health sector, will move from the ASA to the ASPR.
ASTP/ONC will assume a broader portfolio of responsibilitieswith the current National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Micky Tripathi, appointed as Deputy Secretary for Technology Policy/National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.
In line with President Biden’s recent statement Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AITripathi has also been tapped to serve as interim AI director.
In the meantime, HHS will create an Office of the Chief Technology Officer, while reinstating the role of the Chief Technology Officer, who will oversee technology, data, and AI strategy and policy at the department level and across agencies.
It will also build new offices for the chief AI officer and chief data officer.
The AI Officer will set AI policy and strategy for the Department; establish internal governance, policies, and risk management approaches for AI uses 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, lead data literacy and data talent initiatives, manage HHS’s data strategy, support data collaboration and exchange, and manage HHS data as a strategic asset for the Department.
The new ASTP/ONC has launched a search 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 noon ET. register here.
CHECKED IN
“ONC already plays 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 advance all of our mission-driven policies and strategic activities across technology, data, and AI. These organizational changes will ensure that HHS is best positioned to serve the American people during this incredibly dynamic time in technology.”
“Cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence are among the most pressing issues facing the health care sector today,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “As a department, HHS must be agile, responsible, and strategic to meet the needs of the moment. For decades, HHS has worked across the organization to ensure the appropriate and safe use of technology, data, and AI 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 Editor-in-Chief of Healthcare IT News
Send an email to the author: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.
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