The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported a restructuring that will enable the department to improve its operations and more efficiently prioritize using digital and upcoming functionalities like artificial intelligence.
Work associated with technology, cybersecurity, and information has historically been spread out in three HHS divisions: The Assistant Secretary for Administration (ASA), the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). Prospects in these areas have developed significantly in recent years, and the time to improve operations is now and all tech-based jobs are put under one HHS division.
The ONC will be called the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC). It will be assigned to the supervision of technology, data, and artificial intelligence guidelines and systems, which previously were roles of ASA. ASTP/ONC will likewise be in charge of handling healthcare data technology, a role earlier assigned to ONC.
The ASA was formerly in charge of the public-private initiatives between the health industry and the federal government regarding cybersecurity in the 405(d) program. That function will be transferred to ASPR, which will handle other cybersecurity functions that are presently being done by the ASPR Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection. ASPR will additionally keep on working on improving the HHS’s one-stop-store strategy to healthcare cybersecurity.
ASTP/ONC is going to be headed by National Coordinator, Micky Tripathi, who was given the position of Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. ASTP/ONC is going to set up the following offices:
- Office of the Chief Technology Officer to supervise department-level and cross-agency technologies, data, and AI strategy and guidelines
- Office of the Chief AI Officer
- Office of the Chief Data Officer
- Office of Digital Services
The HHS is hoping to employ a chief data officer (CDO) and a chief technology officer (CTO). The CDO is going to be in charge of supervising data management and policy improvement at the HHS, handling data literacy and data talent attempts, taking care of the HHS data strategy, assisting data collaboration and exchange, and controlling HHS data as a tactical resource for the division.
Tripathi continues to be the acting chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO) and is going to give up that function when the HHS can employ a permanent CAIO. The function of the CAIO will consist of creating department guidelines plus strategy for AI, setting up internal governance, guidelines, and risk management strategy for AI internal to the HHS, arranging the AI approach in the health and human services industries, promoting the safe and proper usage of AI technologies and tools throughout the department, and managing AI-associated talent and training projects.
Cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence are a few of the most important concerns confronting the health care industry today and could impact HIPAA compliance. As a Department, HHS needs to be flexible, accountable, and strategic to satisfy what the moment needs. For years, HHS has ensured proper and safe usage of technology, data, and AI to improve the health and safety of Americans. This reorganization helps the Department succeed in preparing for the difficulties ahead.
