HHS announces major new AI, cybersecurity and IT reorganization

By Liam On Jul 25, 2024

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is announcing a new department-wide restructuring that the department says will “streamline and strengthen” strategy and policymaking for information technology, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence.

According to HHS, the intent is to take advantage of new opportunities within these rapidly evolving technologies 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’s policy on these technological innovations:

ONC to be renamed Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, ASTP/ONC
Oversight of technology, data, and AI policy and strategy will shift 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 partnership between the federal government and the health care industry, is moving from ASA to ASPR.

ASTP/ONC is taking on a broader portfolio of responsibilities, with current National Coordinator for Health IT, Micky Tripathi, being named Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/National Coordinator for Health IT.

In line with President Biden’s recent executive order on safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, Tripathi has also been appointed as acting Chief AI Officer.

In the meantime, HHS will establish an Office of the Chief Technology Officer, while restoring the role of Chief Technology Officer, who will oversee strategy and policy on technology, data, and AI at the departmental level and across agencies.

New offices are also being built for the Chief AI Officer and the Chief Data Officer.

The Chief AI Officer is responsible for establishing the AI policy and strategy for the department, establishing internal governance, policies, and risk management approaches for the use of AI within HHS, coordinating HHS’s AI approach across the health and human services sector, supporting the safe and appropriate use of AI technologies and tools across the department, and coordinating AI 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 HHS data strategy, support data collaboration and sharing, and manage HHS 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 on these opportunities on August 1 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Register here.

ON THE RECORD
“ONC already plays a critical role in health IT across our agencies and with industry,” HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm said in a statement. “This reorganization builds on those capabilities to advance all of our strategic, mission-focused technology, data, and AI policies and activities. These organizational changes ensure that HHS is best positioned 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 health care today,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “As an agency, HHS must be agile, accountable, and strategic to meet the needs of this moment. For decades, HHS has worked across the agency to ensure the 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 agency for the challenges ahead.”