In this episode of Tell Me Where IT Hurts, host Dr. Jay Anders welcomes Jeffery Smith, Deputy Director of Certification and Testing at HHS, for an in-depth discussion of the latest developments in health information technology regulations – beginning with the Health Technology Interoperability (HTI) rules.
Smith shares the administration’s goals in improving interoperability, supporting access to electronic health information, and setting clear expectations for data sharing. He highlights the importance of transparency in clinical decision support systems and AI algorithms, emphasizing the need for users to understand the inputs and performance of these tools.
The discussion delves into the modular API approach introduced in HTI-2, aimed at creating a more flexible and standardized framework for health data exchange. Smith also addresses the critical need for public health data modernization, reflecting on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on efforts to improve data flow between healthcare providers and public health authorities, including updates to existing certification criteria and new requirements for both sending and receiving systems.
Dr. Anders and Smith touch on broader issues, such as funding challenges for healthcare standards development and concerns about technology potentially widening healthcare disparities. Smith also discusses the recent reorganization of the ONC under the new Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, aimed at better aligning health IT initiatives across HHS agencies.
The episode concludes with reflections on the ongoing challenge of rising healthcare costs and the potential for technology solutions to address the issue.
Show Notes
Among the topics covered…
- The goals and scope of Health Technology Interoperability (HTI) regulations
- Clinical decision support and transparency in AI/ML algorithms
- Modular API approach in HTI-2 and certification processes
- Public health data modernization initiatives
- CDC’s efforts to improve data flow between healthcare providers and public health authorities
- Updates to existing certification criteria for various health data reporting systems
- Certification of both sending and receiving systems in public health data exchange
- Funding challenges for healthcare standards development
- Concerns about technology potentially widening healthcare disparities
- Reorganization of ONC under the new Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy
- Efforts to harmonize and align health IT initiatives across HHS agencies
- Rising healthcare costs and the need for tech solutions
- “If you had a magic wand … “
Show Links
- Jeffery Smith on LinkedIn
- Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
- HTI-1 Final Rule
- HTI-2 Proposed Rule
- Jay Anders on LinkedIn
- “Tell Me Where IT Hurts” on Healthcare NOW Radio
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