The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced a reorganization that will streamline and bolster technology, cybersecurity, data, and AI strategy and policy functions.
Today’s announcement of a new office officially kicks off HHS’s search to fill the permanent positions of chief technology officer (CTO), chief data officer (CDO), and chief AI officer (CAIO).
Historically, responsibility for policy and operations has been distributed across the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), the Assistant Secretary for Administration (ASA), and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). Today’s announcement will clarify and consolidate these critical functions, HHS said.
ONC will be renamed the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and ONC (ASTP/ONC).
Oversight over technology, data, and AI policy and strategy will move from ASA to ASTP/ONC, including the roles of CTO, CDO, and CAIO.
According to HHS, ASTP/ONC will establish an Office of the CTO and reinstitute the role of CTO, which will oversee department-level and cross-agency technology, data, and AI strategy and policy, including the Office of the CAIO, Office of the CDO, and a new Office of Digital Services.
ASTP/ONC will have increased responsibilities to support this broader mission, reflecting the new staff and funding transitioning into the division, HHS said.
In today’s announcement, HHS said National Coordinator Micky Tripathi will be named assistant secretary for technology policy and national coordinator for health IT as well as acting CAIO.
ASTP/ONC has launched a search to fill the permanent positions of CTO, CDO, and CAIO “to build dedicated talent for this vital team.” The new office will host a webinar for these opportunities on Aug. 1.
“Cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence are some of the most pressing issues facing the health care space today. As a department, HHS must be agile, accountable, and strategic to meet the needs of this moment,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “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.”
HHS also highlighted the public-private effort between the health sector and the Federal government on cybersecurity will move from ASA to ASPR, joining the other health sector cybersecurity activities already located in ASPR’s Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection, and “advancing the Department’s one-stop-shop approach to healthcare cybersecurity,” HHS said.
“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,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm. “These organizational changes will ensure that HHS is best situated to serve the American people during this incredibly dynamic time in the technology space.”
