The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is announcing a fresh department-wide restructuring that will “simplify and strengthen” its strategy and policy for information technology, cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT
The goal is to leverage the fresh opportunities presented by these rapidly evolving technologies, according to HHS, and redistribute responsibilities among three existing agencies: the Office of the National Coordinator for Healthcare IT, the Assistant Secretary for Administration, and the Strategic Preparedness and Response Administration.
To “clarify and consolidate” HHS policy regarding these 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 transition from ASA to ASTP/ONC—including HHS-wide roles of chief technology officer, chief data officer, and chief artificial intelligence officer
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The 405(d) program, a public-private cybersecurity partnership between the federal government and the healthcare industry, will be transferred from ASA to ASPR.
ASTP/ONC to take on broader responsibilitiesand current National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Micky Tripathi has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Technology Policy/National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.
In accordance with President Biden’s recent Executive Order on Sheltered, Secure, and Trustworthy AI, Tripathi has also been appointed as Acting Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer.
Meanwhile, HHS will create the Office of the Chief Technology Officer while restoring the role of the Chief Technology Officer, who will oversee technology, data, and artificial intelligence strategy and policy at the departmental and interagency levels.
There will also be fresh offices for the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and Chief Data Officer.
The Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer will establish AI policy and strategy for the Department; establish internal governance, policies, and risk management approaches for HHS’s internal utilize of AI; coordinate HHS’s approach to AI in the health and human services sectors; support the protected and appropriate utilize of AI technologies and tools across the Department; and coordinate AI talent and training initiatives.
The Chief Data Officer will continue to oversee data management and policy development, promote initiatives to enhance data literacy and data talent, manage HHS’s data strategy, support data collaboration and sharing, and manage HHS data as a strategic asset for the Department.
The fresh ASTP/ONC has begun searching for enduring Chief Technology Officer, Chief AI Officer, and Chief Data Officer positions. HHS will host a webinar on these opportunities on August 1 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
IN THE DOCUMENT
“ONC already plays a critical role in health IT across our agencies and industry,” HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm said in a statement. “This reorganization builds on those capabilities to advance all of our strategic, mission-driven policies and activities across technology, data, and artificial intelligence. These organizational changes will ensure HHS is best prepared to serve the American people during this incredibly dynamic time in the technology space.”
“Cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence are among the most pressing issues facing healthcare 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 artificial intelligence to improve the health and well-being of the American people. This reorganization builds on that success and prepares the department for the challenges that lie ahead.”