The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is unveiling a new department-wide restructuring that it says will "streamline and bolster" strategy and policymaking for information technology, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence.

WHY IT MATTERS
The aim is to capitalize on new opportunities across those fast-evolving technologies, according to HHS, and will redistribute responsibility across three existing agencies: the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, the Assistant Secretary for Administration and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.

To "clarify and consolidate" HHS' policies around those technology innovations:

• ONC will be renamed the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, ASTP/ONC.

• Oversight over technology, data, and AI policy and strategy will move from ASA to ASTP/ONC – including the HHS-wide roles of Chief Technology Officer, Chief Data Officer and Chief AI Officer.

• The 405(d) Program, a public-private cybersecurity effort between the federal government and the healthcare industry, will move from ASA to ASPR.

ASTP/ONC will take on a broader portfolio of responsibilities, with current National Coordinator for Health IT Micky Tripathi named as Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

In accordance with President Biden's recent Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI, Tripathi has also been tapped to serve as Acting Chief AI Officer.

In the meantime, HHS will establish an Office of the Chief Technology Officer – while reinstituting the role of Chief Technology Officer, who will oversee department-level and cross-agency technology, data and AI strategy and policy.

It will also build out new offices of the Chief AI Officer and Chief Data Officer.

The Chief AI Officer will set AI policy and strategy for the Department; establish internal governance, policies and risk-management approaches for uses of AI internal to HHS; coordinate HHS’s AI approach in the health and human services sectors; support the safe and appropriate use of AI technologies and tools across the department; and coordinate AI-related talent and training initiatives.

The Chief Data Officer will continue to oversee data governance and policy development; drive data literacy and data talent initiatives; manage the HHS data strategy; support data collaboration and exchange; and manage HHS’s 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 about these opportunities on August 1 at noon ET. Register here.

ON THE RECORD
"ONC already plays a critical role in health IT across our agencies and with industry," said HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm in a statement. "This reorganization builds on those capabilities to advance all our strategic, mission-focused technology, data, and AI policies and activities. These organizational changes will ensure that HHS is best situated 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 agile, accountable, and strategic to meet the needs of this moment. For decades, HHS has worked across the organization to ensure 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 that lie ahead."
 

Mike Miliard is executive editor of Healthcare IT News
Email the writer: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.

The HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum is scheduled to take place September 5-6 in Boston. Learn more and register.