HHS Announces Reorganization to Bolster Cybersecurity & AI Strategy and Policy

The HHS has announced a “reorganization that will streamline and bolster technology, cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and policy functions.”

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) will be “renamed the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC).” In addition, “oversight over technology, data, and AI policy and strategy will move from ASA [the Assistant Secretary for Administration] to ASTP/ONC, including the HHS-wide roles of Chief Technology Officer, Chief Data Officer, and Chief AI Officer.” Plus, the “public-private effort between the health sector and the federal government on cybersecurity (“405(d) Program”) will move from ASA to ASPR [the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response], 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.”

ASTP/ONC will establish a Chief AI Officer whose job is to “set AI policy and strategy for the Department,” as well as “establish internal governance, policies, and risk management approaches for uses of AI internal to HHS,” among other responsibilities. Also, the new Chief Data Officer will “continue to oversee data governance and policy development” and “drive data literacy and data talent initiatives” along with other tasks.