The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has made significant strides in integrating artificial intelligence and advancing the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) over the past year, Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and National Coordinator for Health IT Micky Tripathi told GovCIO Media & Research in a Q&A. Tripathi reflected on these accomplishments, noting the transformative potential of AI in enhancing internal processes and improving healthcare outcomes. TEFCA has made substantial progress in achieving nationwide network interoperability, connecting hospitals, clinicians and public health jurisdictions across the country. Tripathi outlined HHS’s data and technology priorities for 2025, focusing on the continued expansion of digital infrastructure, interoperability and AI transparency, all aimed at improving patient care and healthcare system efficiency.

In recent blog posts “IB the API, I Think Not” and “Getting Real about Information Blocking and APIs” we discussed concerns about practices, actions, and behaviors that run counter to our policies promoting an open, standards-based approach to interoperability. 

As required by a pair of executive orders from two recent administrations, the Office of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer in HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) has compiled an updated list of All HHS AI Use Cases. "The 2024 AI use case inventory includes a range of additional information beyond just use case summaries," said Principal Deputy National Coordinator for Health IT Steven Posnack in a blog post Monday. "It includes information on, data, IT infrastructure, internal governance and much more." The list has grown significantly since 2023, when it included disparate 163 use cases. This year's inventory  includes more than 270 – a 66% increase.

It’s that time of the year when we all close out annual processes. In this case, we at the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) through the hard work of our Office of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (OCAIO) are pleased to let you know that HHS’ 2024 AI Use Case Inventory is available for review.

ASTP’s HTI-3 final rule reflects ASTP’s focused efforts to improve information sharing while protecting patient privacy. The final rule finalizes information blocking regulatory enhancements that were proposed in the HTI-2 Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability proposed rule.