The latest changes implemented by the HHS reflects a consolidation of critical functions and an increase in responsibilities. Credit: CHRISTOPHER E ZIMMER/Shutterstock.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is implementing a significant reorganisation aimed at streamlining and enhancing its cybersecurity, technology, data, and AI strategy and policy functions.

According to the HHS, the responsibility for policy and operations in these areas was historically distributed across various HHS offices.

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These include the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), and the Assistant Secretary for Administration (ASA).

The reorganisation effort will see the ONC renamed as the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and ONC (ASTP/ONC).

This change reflects a consolidation of critical functions and an increase in responsibilities. 

The oversight of data and technology, as well as the AI policy and strategy, will shift from the ASA to the newly named ASTP/ONC.  

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This includes the HHS-wide roles of chief technology officer, chief data officer, and chief AI officer.  

In addition, the public-private cybersecurity initiative, known as the ‘405(d) Program’, will move from the ASA to the ASPR, joining other cybersecurity activities within ASPR’s Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection. 

The chief data officer’s role will continue to focus on policy development, data governance, and managing HHS’s data as a strategic asset.  

National coordinator Micky Tripathi will take on the role of assistant secretary for technology policy / national coordinator for health information technology.  

Tripathi has also been appointed as the department’s acting chief AI officer, which aligns with the US President’s Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI.  

To support these expanded functions, ASTP/ONC is conducting a search to fill the permanent positions of chief technology officer, chief AI officer, and chief data officer, aiming to build a dedicated and skilled team. 

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said: “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. 

“For decades, HHS has worked across the organisation to ensure appropriate and safe use of technology, data, and AI to advance the health and well-being of the American people. This reorganisation builds on that success and prepares the department for the challenges that lie ahead.”