HHS Restructures to Strengthen Technology and Cybersecurity

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently announced an extensive reorganization aimed at enhancing its approach to technology, cybersecurity, data management, and artificial intelligence (AI) policies. This restructuring represents a strategic shift to ensure that critical technological functions are consolidated and streamlined to meet today’s rapidly evolving challenges in healthcare and cybersecurity. As technology continues to play a larger role in healthcare, organizations are recognizing the need for a unified, efficient approach to strategy and policy management. Historically, responsibilities within HHS for technology and policy were spread across multiple divisions, including the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), the Assistant Secretary for Administration (ASA), and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The recent changes will integrate these roles, consolidating them to improve clarity, responsiveness, and impact.

Under this reorganization, the ONC will be renamed as the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC). Oversight of technology, data, and AI policy and strategy will shift from ASA to ASTP/ONC, a move that includes incorporating the roles of Chief Technology Officer, Chief Data Officer, and Chief AI Officer under a single leadership umbrella. Additionally, the 405(d) Program, a collaborative effort between the health sector and government to enhance cybersecurity, will now fall under ASPR. This aligns healthcare cybersecurity efforts within ASPR’s Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection, reflecting HHS’s commitment to creating a more cohesive approach to safeguarding the sector’s critical infrastructure. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of this restructuring, noting that cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence have become some of the most pressing issues facing healthcare today. To keep up with these demands, he stressed that HHS must be agile and strategic, a sentiment echoed across the department.

At Maven Group Solutions, we view this reorganization as a progressive and necessary move that will enhance the department’s ability to manage complex technological needs. By consolidating critical functions, HHS is not only making its operations more efficient but also laying the groundwork for a proactive approach to cybersecurity and data strategy—an approach that Maven Group believes is essential for any organization in today’s digital landscape. Consolidating the roles of technology, data, and AI under ASTP/ONC is a significant step. It allows for clear leadership and accountability, which are essential for any organization managing sensitive data and systems. This restructuring reflects a deeper recognition that technology and data are not simply operational tools but strategic assets that must be managed with precision and foresight. The Chief AI Officer, for instance, will lead efforts to establish AI policy and strategy for the department, set governance and risk management frameworks, and coordinate HHS’s AI initiatives in health and human services. By prioritizing these areas, HHS is sending a strong message about the role of advanced technology in public health and the need for responsible, strategic management.

Similarly, the role of Chief Data Officer will focus on essential tasks like overseeing data governance, promoting data literacy, managing HHS’s data strategy, and supporting data collaboration. At Maven Group Solutions, we see the establishment of these roles as a critical move that will help HHS effectively navigate the evolving data landscape. By focusing on data literacy and treating data as a strategic asset, the department is building a foundation that will support not only its immediate goals but also its long-term mission to improve healthcare and human services for the American people. The shift of cybersecurity responsibilities, specifically the 405(d) Program, to ASPR represents another important element of this reorganization. This move consolidates cybersecurity functions under one department, thereby creating a more centralized, focused approach to protecting healthcare infrastructure. Cybersecurity threats have become more sophisticated, and the healthcare sector is increasingly a target for cyber attacks. By moving these responsibilities under ASPR’s Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection, HHS is reinforcing the importance of a coordinated, responsive approach to managing cybersecurity risks.

Maven Group Solutions sees this move as a strong example of how centralized cybersecurity efforts can enhance resilience across an organization. In an era where cyber incidents can have widespread impacts, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, consolidating cybersecurity functions enables more streamlined responses and clearer accountability. This reorganization is, in essence, a recognition that cybersecurity is not just an IT issue it’s a foundational aspect of healthcare that impacts patient safety, data integrity, and public trust. The establishment of a new Office of Digital Services under ASTP/ONC will further support these goals, providing an additional layer of oversight and strategic vision for HHS’s technology initiatives. ASTP/ONC will host a webinar on August 1, 2024, to recruit top talent for these new roles, including the Chief Technology Officer, Chief AI Officer, and Chief Data Officer. This search for qualified professionals reflects HHS’s commitment to building a robust team capable of managing the department’s expanding technological needs. Maven Group Solutions believes that this emphasis on recruitment and talent development is critical. As technology evolves, having experienced, dedicated leaders in these roles will be key to ensuring that HHS can adapt and remain resilient in the face of new challenges. We encourage professionals in the fields of technology, AI, and cybersecurity to consider these positions, as they represent an opportunity to contribute to a vital mission that impacts millions.

The reorganization also reflects HHS’s readiness to embrace innovation and adapt to the changing needs of healthcare technology. By redefining roles and responsibilities, HHS is positioning itself to better serve the public. Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm described the changes as essential for the department to meet the demands of this “incredibly dynamic time in the technology space.” For Maven Group Solutions, this approach aligns closely with our belief in proactive, strategic management of technology and data. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to anticipate and prepare for technological shifts is essential. HHS’s reorganization demonstrates a commitment to forward-thinking policies that will not only improve its operations but also set a benchmark for other organizations. As a leader in technology and cybersecurity consulting, Maven Group Solutions recognizes the importance of these structural changes in enabling HHS to fulfill its mission. By creating dedicated offices for AI, data, and digital services, HHS is equipping itself to navigate the complex challenges posed by emerging technologies.

HHS’s reorganization serves as a model for how other organizations, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, can approach the integration of technology and cybersecurity. By treating technology and data as strategic assets and consolidating their management under clear leadership, HHS is demonstrating the importance of a cohesive, well-defined approach to digital transformation. Maven Group Solutions commends HHS for its commitment to resilience, transparency, and innovation. As HHS moves forward with this new structure, we believe it will be better equipped to address future challenges, protect public health, and provide the American people with secure, efficient, and reliable services. This reorganization marks a significant step in HHS’s journey to build a technologically resilient future one that embraces the potential of AI, safeguards sensitive data, and ensures that critical healthcare infrastructure is protected from cybersecurity threats. Maven Group Solutions is proud to support these principles and looks forward to seeing the positive impact of these changes on the healthcare sector.