The Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) is gearing up for a deregulatory initiative to streamline its health IT certification program and enhance enforcement against information-blocking, as announced by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy Steven Posnack at the Health IT Summit.
Posnack unveiled plans for a forthcoming notice of proposed rulemaking that will reevaluate and modernize certification criteria, addressing outdated regulations and aligning with current industry needs such as data standards and interoperability rules.
Posnack highlighted the necessity to adapt certification requirements to reflect evolving priorities over the past decade and a half, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing data collection efforts across different agencies to streamline processes for stakeholders.
He expressed enthusiasm for the potential of automation in clinical workflows and the optimization of digital technology in healthcare settings, citing the need to leverage technology for tasks suited to computational efficiency.
Posnack underscored ASTP’s commitment to enforcing regulations against information blocking, promoting bi-directional data exchange, and fostering a policy environment conducive to enhanced interoperability in the healthcare landscape.
ASTP’s focus extends to advancing nationwide interoperability through initiatives such as the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which has already facilitated connections among thousands of organizations and demonstrated tangible benefits, like expedited disability claims processing at the Social Security Administration.
Posnack acknowledged the time-intensive nature of regulatory reforms while emphasizing the collaborative approach between government agencies and the private sector to drive innovation and expedite progress in the realm of health IT certification.
He urged a strategic partnership with private industry stakeholders to accelerate the pace of technological advancements and foster a more efficient and effective healthcare ecosystem.
Posnack’s remarks at the Health IT Summit shed light on the ASTP’s proactive stance towards regulatory reform and its commitment to promoting technological innovation and interoperability within the healthcare sector.
By streamlining certification processes and addressing information-blocking practices, ASTP aims to create a more conducive environment for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and the seamless exchange of health data across various systems and stakeholders.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, ASTP’s initiatives signal a concerted effort to enhance healthcare IT infrastructure, foster collaboration between public and private entities, and drive forward progress in digital health transformation.
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