Trump Administration Appoints New National Coordinator for Health IT

The Trump administration has named Thomas Keane as the new national coordinator for health information technology, marking a significant change in leadership for the federal government's health IT efforts. Keane, a software engineer and interventional radiologist, assumed the role on Monday, according to a spokesperson for the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ASTP/ONC).

Keane's Background and Experience

Thomas Keane brings a diverse background to his new position. Prior to this appointment, he served as a senior advisor to the deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). His experience also includes:

• Administrator of the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund
• Leader in developing the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's National Nursing Home COVID Action Network
• Expertise in both software engineering and interventional radiology

ASTP/ONC Reorganization and Future Plans

Keane's appointment comes at a time of significant change for the ASTP/ONC:

• The agency, previously known only as the ONC, underwent a reorganization last summer to expand its oversight of technology, data, and artificial intelligence policy.
• The HHS has requested $130 million in its recent budget proposal to establish the Chief Technology Officer, which would include ASTP and coordinate the department's cybersecurity and health IT work.

Challenges Ahead

The new national coordinator faces a complex landscape:

• The Trump administration is currently culling thousands of jobs and plans to slash the HHS budget.
• Keane will need to navigate these changes while leading federal health IT initiatives.

As the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries continue to evolve, Keane's leadership at ASTP/ONC will play a crucial role in shaping the future of health information technology in the United States.