Steve Posnack Appointed Acting Assistant Secretary of Technology Policy at HHS

In a significant development for the healthcare technology sector, Steve Posnack has been named the acting assistant secretary of technology policy at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This appointment, which also includes the role of acting national coordinator of health information technology (ONC), marks a new chapter in the leadership of the nation's health IT initiatives.

Continuity in Health IT Leadership

Posnack, a veteran health technology official with nearly two decades of experience, succeeds Micky Tripathi, who departed at the end of the previous administration. This transition represents a strategic move to maintain continuity in the department's technology policy direction.

With a career spanning eight National Coordinators of Health IT since the position's creation in 2004, Posnack brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has held various positions within the ONC, including director of the federal policy division, director of the office of standards and technology, and most recently, deputy national coordinator of health IT.

Industry Reactions and Future Directions

The appointment has been met with positive reactions from industry leaders. Don Rucker, former national coordinator of health IT under the first Trump administration, commended the decision, stating, "I think he will do a very pro-public job as acting national coordinator as the Trump administration puts its political appointees in place to manage digital interoperability."

Tom Leary, senior vice president at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), highlighted Posnack's deep knowledge of health information technology and his understanding of both technical aspects and community expectations. Leary anticipates the continuation of key initiatives such as the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which aims to connect health information networks across the country.

Emerging Priorities in Health IT

As the healthcare technology landscape evolves, industry experts are looking towards new priorities for the ONC and ASTP. Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence frameworks are emerging as critical areas of focus, with the U.S. aiming to maintain competitiveness with European Union standards.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy's recent request for information on AI, which will inform the administration's new AI Action Plan, signals a broader push towards technological advancement. Lynne Parker, Principal Deputy Director of the OSTP, emphasized the administration's commitment to securing American AI dominance, stating, "This AI Action Plan is the first step in securing and advancing American AI dominance, and we look forward to incorporating the public's comments and innovative ideas."

As the healthcare industry continues to navigate the complex intersection of technology and patient care, Posnack's leadership at HHS is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of health information technology in the United States.