On July 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a reorganization that emphasizes artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data, and technology. Specifically, this involves moving technology and data policy and strategy functions from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration (ASA) to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). 

The changes are being made because these areas represent “some of the most pressing issues facing the health care space today,” according to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. Additionally, HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm stated, “ONC already plays a critical role in health IT across our agencies and with industry. This reorganization builds on those capabilities to advance all our strategic, mission-focused technology, data, and AI policies and activities.” 

Going forward, ONC will be renamed the Assistant Secretary for Technology and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC). It will include the roles of Chief AI Officer and Chief Data Officer, which shall be HHS-wide. It will also have offices as follows: 

• Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/National Coordinator (ARA) 
• Office of Policy (ARI)
• Office of Standards, Certification, and Analysis (ARC) 
• Office of the Chief Operating Officer (ARE) 
• Office of the Chief Technology Officer 

Micky Tripathi, the first Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, is also serving as the Acting Chief AI Officer, with duties as follows: 

• 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. 

More information about the reorganization can be obtained from the Federal Register. 

Categories: AI, DATA ACCESS & INTEROPERABILITY, DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY

Tags: ASTP/ONC, Federal AI Policy, health data, health data privacy, healthcare ai, onc