Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority, 48718-48720 [05-16446]

Download as PDF 48718 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 160 / Friday, August 19, 2005 / Notices Estimated Cost Burden The cost per respondent should be negligible. Participation is voluntary and will not require start-up, capital, or labor expenditures by respondents. Christian S. White, Acting General Counsel. [FR Doc. 05–16464 Filed 8–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Secretary Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)—Area Poverty Research Centers ACTION: Notice, correction. SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services published a document in the Federal Register of June 20, 2005 concerning a notice of funding availability to establish Area Poverty Research Centers. The document contained an incorrect date. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Theresa Jarosik, 301–496–7075. Correction In the Federal Register of June 20, 2005, in Federal Register document 05– 12018 on page 35443, in the third column, correct the Award Notices caption to read: A successful applicant can expect to receive notification of grant award on or about September 30, 2005. Dated: August 15, 2005. Michael J. O’Grady, Assistant for Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. [FR Doc. 05–16451 Filed 8–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4154–05–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Meeting of the President’s Council on Bioethics on September 8– 9, 2005 AGENCY: The President’s Council on Bioethics, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The President’s Council on Bioethics (Leon R. Kass, M.D., Chairman) will hold its twenty-first meeting, at which, among other things, it will continue its discussion of ethical issues relating to the treatment of the aged and the long-term care of patients with dementia. Subjects discussed at VerDate jul<14>2003 16:47 Aug 18, 2005 Jkt 205001 past Council meetings (though not on the agenda for the present one) include: Cloning, assisted reproduction, reproductive genetics, IVF, ICSI, PGD, sex selection, inheritable genetic modification, patentability of human organisms, neuroscience, aging retardation, lifespan-extension, and organ procurement for transplantation. Publications issued by the Council to date include: Human Cloning and Human Dignity: An Ethical Inquiry (July 2002); Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and the Pursuit of Happiness (October 2003); Being Human: Readings from the President’s Council on Bioethics (December 2003); Monitoring Stem Cell Research (January 2004), Reproduction and Responsibility: The Regulation of New Biotechnologies (March 2004), and Alternative Sources of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: A White Paper (May 2005). The meeting will take place Thursday, September 8, 2005, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. e.t.; and Friday, September 9, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. e.t. DATES: Wyndham City Center, 1143 New Hampshire Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20037. Phone 202–775– 0800. Agenda: The meeting agenda will be posted at https://www.bioethics.gov. Public Comments: The Council encourages public input, either in person or in writing. At this meeting, interested members of the public may address the Council, beginning at 11:30 am, on Friday, September 9. Comments are limited to no more than five minutes per speaker or organization. As a courtesy, please inform Ms. Diane Gianelli, Director of Communications, in advance of your intention to make a public statement, and give your name and affiliation. To submit a written statement, mail or e-mail it to Ms. Gianelli at one of the addresses given below. ADDRESSES: Ms. Diane Gianelli, Director of Communications, The President’s Council on Bioethics, Suite 700, 1801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20006. Telephone: 202–296–4669. Email: info@bioethics.gov. Web site: https://www.bioethics.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dated: August 10, 2005. Richard Roblin, Acting Executive Director, The President’s Council on Bioethics. [FR Doc. 05–16449 Filed 8–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4154–06–P PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Secretary Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority Part A, Office of the Secretary, Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority for the Department of Health and Human Services, Part A, as last amended at 69 FR 51679–51680, dated August 20, 2004, and Chapter AA, Office of the Secretary, as last amended at 69 FR 51679–51680, dated August 20, 2004, are being amended to establish a new Chapter AR, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) within the Office of the Secretary. The changes are as follows: I. Under Part A, Chapter AA, Section AA.10 Organization, insert the following: ‘‘Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (AR)’’ II. Under Part A, establish a new Chapter AR, ‘‘Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)’’ to read as follows: Section AR.00 Mission Section AR.10 Organization Section AR.20 Functions Section AR.00 Mission: The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology provides leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve the quality and efficiency of health care and the ability of consumers to manage their care and safety. The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology serves as the Secretary’s principal advisor on the development, application, and use of health information technology; coordinates the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) health information technology programs; ensures that HHS health information technology policy and programs are coordinated with those of other relevant executive branch agencies; and to the extent permitted by law, develops, maintains, and directs the implementation of a strategic plan to guide the nationwide implementation of interoperable health information technology in both the public and private health care sectors that will reduce medical errors, improve quality, and produce greater value for health care expenditures, and coordinates outreach and consultation by the E:\FR\FM\19AUN1.SGM 19AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 160 / Friday, August 19, 2005 / Notices relevant executive branch agencies with the public and private sectors. The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology provides comments and advice at the request of OMB regarding specific Federal health information technology programs. Section AR.10 Organization: The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is under the direction of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology who reports directly to the Secretary. The office consists of the following components. A. Immediate Office of the National Coordinator (ARA) B. Office of Health Information Technology Adoption (ARB) C. Office of Interoperability and Standards (ARC) D. Office of Programs and Coordination (ARE) E. Office of Policy and Research (ARF) Section AR.20 Functions: A. Immediate Office of the National Coordinator (ARA): The Immediate Office of the National Coordinator (IO/ONC) is headed by the National Coordinator, who provides executive direction to the office. The National Coordinator is responsible for carrying out ONC’s mission and implementing the functions of the ONC. The IO/ONC: (1) Ensures that key health information technology initiatives are coordinated across HHS programs; (2) ensures that health information technology policy and programs of HHS are coordinated with those of relevant executive branch agencies (including Federal commissions and advisory committees) with a goal of avoiding duplication of efforts and of helping to ensure that each agency undertakes activities primarily within the areas of its greatest expertise and technical capability; (3) review Federal health information technology investments to ensure Federal health information technology programs are meeting the objectives of the strategic plan, required under Executive Order 13335, to create a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure; (4) at the request of OMB, provides comments and advice regarding specific Federal health information technology programs; (5) develops, maintains, and reports on measurable outcome goals for health information technology to assess progress within HHS and other executive branch agencies; and in the private sector, in developing and implementing a nationwide interoperable health infrastructure; and (6) fulfills the administrative, reporting, infrastructure, and budget-preparation support needs of the office. VerDate jul<14>2003 16:47 Aug 18, 2005 Jkt 205001 B. Office of Health Information Technology Adoption (ARB): The Office of Health Information Technology Adoption (OHITA) is headed by a Director. OHITA works and coordinates with all other ONC offices to identify health information technology strategies, and works with other relevant HHS offices to implement these strategies and monitor outcomes in fulfillment of the President’s goals. Specifically, in coordination with other HHS offices, OHITA: (1) Develops and coordinates strategies to incentivize adoption of health information technology, to reduce the risk of health information technology investment, and to promote health information technology diffusion; (2) coordinates the development of strategies and guidance to create electronic personal health management tools and to enhance informed consumer choice for health care; (3) coordinates with relevant executive branch agencies in promoting and transferring health information technology to public sector; (4) identifies and documents evidence on the benefits and costs of interoperable health information technology and to whom the benefits and costs accrue; (5) assesses the current state of health information technology adoption, specifies measurable goals and methods for evaluating strategies and determines approaches that can accelerate health information technology adoption in a cost-effective manner; and (6) coordinates with other offices within ONC to develop recommendations regarding health information technology compliance certification processes, evaluates compliance certification processes for health information technology and assesses its effect on health information technology implementation. C. Office of Interoperability and Standards (ARC): The Office of Interoperability and Standards (OIS) is headed by a Director. OIS works with and coordinates with other offices in ONC and HHS to provide leadership in the development and implementation of a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure and advance the development, adoption, and implementation of interoperable health information technology standards. Specifically, in coordination with relevant HHS offices, OIS: (1) Fosters mechanisms that support the secure and seamless exchange of health information, including the use of standards, certified technology, and requirements for a nationwide architecture; (2) manages the federal health architecture program PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48719 efforts and works with Federal agencies to ensure that Federal health information systems are coordinated and interoperable with any nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure; (3) advances the development, adoption, and implementation of health information technology standards nationally through collaboration among public and private interests that are consistent with current efforts of the Federal Government; (4) works with relevant HHS offices to evaluate mechanisms for harmonizing security and privacy practices in an interoperable health information technology architecture; and (5) promotes the development of performance measures related to the adoption of interoperable health information technology standards. D. Office of Programs and Coordination (ARE): The Office of Programs and Coordination (OPC) is headed by a Director. OPC ensures complete integration of all efforts across ONC and supports the dissemination and adoption of the Administration’s policy on health information technology. Specifically, in coordination with relevant HHS offices, OPC: (1) Provides infrastructure and management support for Secretary initiatives related to health information technology including FACA and other advisory committees; (2) provides the infrastructure support for health information technology programs to coordinate interrelating activities including workgroups and subcommittees; (3) monitors and measures all outcomes in support of health information technology initiatives; and (4) develops and coordinates with relevant HHS offices, including the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, outreach campaigns to educate the public about health information technology and its use of Web site materials, and other documents regarding ONC activities. E. Office of Policy and Research (ARF): The Office of Policy and Research (OPR) is headed by a Director. The OPR coordinates with other ONC offices and conducts studies in support of ongoing health information technology and supports and coordinates efforts that inform policy decisions related to health IT. Specifically, in coordination with relevant HHS offices, OPR: (1) Ensures the smooth and efficient implementation of policies under the direction of the National Coordinator; (2) supports efforts to determine to what extent health information technology affects public and private business practices; (3) identifies privacy and E:\FR\FM\19AUN1.SGM 19AUN1 48720 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 160 / Friday, August 19, 2005 / Notices security issues related to a nationwide health information technology infrastructure and strategies to ensure that patients’ individually identifiable health information is secure and protected; (4) leads health information technology research efforts for ONC to help inform policy decisions and conducts key technical, scientific, economic, statistical and other studies related to health information technology; (5) develops procedures and pilot efforts for how medical knowledge can be collected, validated and available at the point of care; (6) facilitates discussions within HHS on the policy implications of key health information technology activities, and supports the National Coordinator in considering the policy implications of key health information technology activities; and (7) provides specialized technology and statistical expertise in support of policy proposal analysis. Dated: August 11, 2005. Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary. [FR Doc. 05–16446 Filed 8–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150–24–M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Request for Application AA213] Building and Strengthening Haiti’s National Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS, Including Support for the Coordination of a National HIV/AIDS Service Delivery Protocol and New HIV/AIDS Training Initiatives; Notice of Intent To Fund Single Eligibility Award A. Purpose The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the intent to fund fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for a cooperative agreement program to provide a funding mechanism for joint activities between CDC and the Haitian ` ´ Ministry of Health-Ministere de la Sante Publique et de la Population (MSPP) in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. Joint activities during the project period will focus on strengthening the MSPP’s capacity to lead, coordinate and oversee the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of HIV/AIDS-related health activities, including diagnostic laboratories and programs such as VCT, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), and other care and treatment interventions. These goals will be VerDate jul<14>2003 16:47 Aug 18, 2005 Jkt 205001 accomplished through collaboration between the MSPP, CDC Haiti and its partners including, but not limited to, the National Association of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), American Public Health Laboratories (APHL), University Technical Assistance Program (UTAP), International Training and Education Center for HIV/AIDS (ITECH) and local partners. Collaborative activities between CDC and the MSPP are intended to produce measurable improvements in the delivery of publicsector HIV/AIDS services in Haiti. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program is 93.067. For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: Vivian Walker, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, Telephone: 770–488–2724, Email: vew4@cdc.gov. B. Eligible Applicant This is a single eligibility request for application (RFA) from the Haitian MSPP. No other applicants are solicited. The national public health system in Haiti remains the primary source of care for the majority of the Haitian Population. This system is directly managed by the Haitian Ministry of Health as it is an inherently governmental role to provide a basic level of health care to ensure that a minimum standard of public health is achieved. The MSPP is responsible for the National Strategic Plan for HIV/ AIDS in Haiti. This responsibility includes updating the national protocols for care and treatment and as well as national coordination of HIV/AIDS service delivery and training. It would be inefficient and unsustainable to develop a parallel system outside of the public health system to provide prevention, treatment, and other service delivery solely for HIV/AIDS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention C. Funding Approximately $11,620,000 is available over a five year project period. $2,324,000 will be available in FY 2005 for a 12-month budget period. The approximate date for the award is September 15, 2005. Funding estimates may change. D. Where To Obtain Additional Information For general comments or questions about this announcement, contact: Technical Information Management, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341–4146, Telephone: 770–488–2700. For program technical assistance, contact: Kathy Grooms, CDC Global AIDS Program, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E–04, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone: 404–639–8394, E-mail: Kgrooms@cdc.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: August 12, 2005. William P. Nichols, Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 05–16443 Filed 8–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES [Program Announcement AA083] Enhancement of Palliative Care Tuberculosis (TB)/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Collaboration in the United Republic of Tanzania Under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief; Notice of Intent To Fund Single Eligibility Award A. Purpose The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the intent to fund fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for a cooperative agreement program to increase and build the capacity of health care workers in Tanzania that are in the early diagnosis and treatment stage of TB and/or HIV in co-infected patients. The purpose of the announcement is to support the efforts to increase and build the capacity of health care workers in Tanzania and Zanzibar in the early diagnosis and treatment of TB and/or HIV in co-infected patients by building upon the existing framework of health policy and programming the NTLP has itself initiated. The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has mandated the NTLP to coordinate and implement activities necessary for the control of TB and leprosy, including HIV/AIDS among TB patients. The NTLP also has the technical ability to oversee the project, by ensuring the activities implemented are integrated into the national strategy for TB and leprosy in Tanzania. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program is 93.067. B. Eligible Applicant Assistance will only be provided to the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTLP) for this project. E:\FR\FM\19AUN1.SGM 19AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 160 (Friday, August 19, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48718-48720]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16446]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary


Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information 
Technology; Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of 
Authority

    Part A, Office of the Secretary, Statement of Organization, 
Functions, and Delegations of Authority for the Department of Health 
and Human Services, Part A, as last amended at 69 FR 51679-51680, dated 
August 20, 2004, and Chapter AA, Office of the Secretary, as last 
amended at 69 FR 51679-51680, dated August 20, 2004, are being amended 
to establish a new Chapter AR, the Office of the National Coordinator 
for Health Information Technology (ONC) within the Office of the 
Secretary. The changes are as follows:
    I. Under Part A, Chapter AA, Section AA.10 Organization, insert the 
following: ``Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information 
Technology (AR)''
    II. Under Part A, establish a new Chapter AR, ``Office of the 
National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)'' to read 
as follows:

Section AR.00 Mission
Section AR.10 Organization
Section AR.20 Functions

    Section AR.00 Mission: The Office of the National Coordinator for 
Health Information Technology provides leadership for the development 
and nationwide implementation of an interoperable health information 
technology infrastructure to improve the quality and efficiency of 
health care and the ability of consumers to manage their care and 
safety. The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology 
serves as the Secretary's principal advisor on the development, 
application, and use of health information technology; coordinates the 
Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) health information 
technology programs; ensures that HHS health information technology 
policy and programs are coordinated with those of other relevant 
executive branch agencies; and to the extent permitted by law, 
develops, maintains, and directs the implementation of a strategic plan 
to guide the nationwide implementation of interoperable health 
information technology in both the public and private health care 
sectors that will reduce medical errors, improve quality, and produce 
greater value for health care expenditures, and coordinates outreach 
and consultation by the

[[Page 48719]]

relevant executive branch agencies with the public and private sectors. 
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology provides 
comments and advice at the request of OMB regarding specific Federal 
health information technology programs.
    Section AR.10 Organization: The Office of the National Coordinator 
for Health Information Technology (ONC) is under the direction of the 
National Coordinator for Health Information Technology who reports 
directly to the Secretary. The office consists of the following 
components.

A. Immediate Office of the National Coordinator (ARA)
B. Office of Health Information Technology Adoption (ARB)
C. Office of Interoperability and Standards (ARC)
D. Office of Programs and Coordination (ARE)
E. Office of Policy and Research (ARF)

    Section AR.20 Functions:
    A. Immediate Office of the National Coordinator (ARA): The 
Immediate Office of the National Coordinator (IO/ONC) is headed by the 
National Coordinator, who provides executive direction to the office. 
The National Coordinator is responsible for carrying out ONC's mission 
and implementing the functions of the ONC. The IO/ONC: (1) Ensures that 
key health information technology initiatives are coordinated across 
HHS programs; (2) ensures that health information technology policy and 
programs of HHS are coordinated with those of relevant executive branch 
agencies (including Federal commissions and advisory committees) with a 
goal of avoiding duplication of efforts and of helping to ensure that 
each agency undertakes activities primarily within the areas of its 
greatest expertise and technical capability; (3) review Federal health 
information technology investments to ensure Federal health information 
technology programs are meeting the objectives of the strategic plan, 
required under Executive Order 13335, to create a nationwide 
interoperable health information technology infrastructure; (4) at the 
request of OMB, provides comments and advice regarding specific Federal 
health information technology programs; (5) develops, maintains, and 
reports on measurable outcome goals for health information technology 
to assess progress within HHS and other executive branch agencies; and 
in the private sector, in developing and implementing a nationwide 
interoperable health infrastructure; and (6) fulfills the 
administrative, reporting, infrastructure, and budget-preparation 
support needs of the office.
    B. Office of Health Information Technology Adoption (ARB): The 
Office of Health Information Technology Adoption (OHITA) is headed by a 
Director. OHITA works and coordinates with all other ONC offices to 
identify health information technology strategies, and works with other 
relevant HHS offices to implement these strategies and monitor outcomes 
in fulfillment of the President's goals. Specifically, in coordination 
with other HHS offices, OHITA: (1) Develops and coordinates strategies 
to incentivize adoption of health information technology, to reduce the 
risk of health information technology investment, and to promote health 
information technology diffusion; (2) coordinates the development of 
strategies and guidance to create electronic personal health management 
tools and to enhance informed consumer choice for health care; (3) 
coordinates with relevant executive branch agencies in promoting and 
transferring health information technology to public sector; (4) 
identifies and documents evidence on the benefits and costs of 
interoperable health information technology and to whom the benefits 
and costs accrue; (5) assesses the current state of health information 
technology adoption, specifies measurable goals and methods for 
evaluating strategies and determines approaches that can accelerate 
health information technology adoption in a cost-effective manner; and 
(6) coordinates with other offices within ONC to develop 
recommendations regarding health information technology compliance 
certification processes, evaluates compliance certification processes 
for health information technology and assesses its effect on health 
information technology implementation.
    C. Office of Interoperability and Standards (ARC): The Office of 
Interoperability and Standards (OIS) is headed by a Director. OIS works 
with and coordinates with other offices in ONC and HHS to provide 
leadership in the development and implementation of a nationwide 
interoperable health information technology infrastructure and advance 
the development, adoption, and implementation of interoperable health 
information technology standards. Specifically, in coordination with 
relevant HHS offices, OIS: (1) Fosters mechanisms that support the 
secure and seamless exchange of health information, including the use 
of standards, certified technology, and requirements for a nationwide 
architecture; (2) manages the federal health architecture program 
efforts and works with Federal agencies to ensure that Federal health 
information systems are coordinated and interoperable with any 
nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure; 
(3) advances the development, adoption, and implementation of health 
information technology standards nationally through collaboration among 
public and private interests that are consistent with current efforts 
of the Federal Government; (4) works with relevant HHS offices to 
evaluate mechanisms for harmonizing security and privacy practices in 
an interoperable health information technology architecture; and (5) 
promotes the development of performance measures related to the 
adoption of interoperable health information technology standards.
    D. Office of Programs and Coordination (ARE): The Office of 
Programs and Coordination (OPC) is headed by a Director. OPC ensures 
complete integration of all efforts across ONC and supports the 
dissemination and adoption of the Administration's policy on health 
information technology. Specifically, in coordination with relevant HHS 
offices, OPC: (1) Provides infrastructure and management support for 
Secretary initiatives related to health information technology 
including FACA and other advisory committees; (2) provides the 
infrastructure support for health information technology programs to 
coordinate interrelating activities including workgroups and 
subcommittees; (3) monitors and measures all outcomes in support of 
health information technology initiatives; and (4) develops and 
coordinates with relevant HHS offices, including the Assistant 
Secretary for Public Affairs, outreach campaigns to educate the public 
about health information technology and its use of Web site materials, 
and other documents regarding ONC activities.
    E. Office of Policy and Research (ARF): The Office of Policy and 
Research (OPR) is headed by a Director. The OPR coordinates with other 
ONC offices and conducts studies in support of ongoing health 
information technology and supports and coordinates efforts that inform 
policy decisions related to health IT. Specifically, in coordination 
with relevant HHS offices, OPR: (1) Ensures the smooth and efficient 
implementation of policies under the direction of the National 
Coordinator; (2) supports efforts to determine to what extent health 
information technology affects public and private business practices; 
(3) identifies privacy and

[[Page 48720]]

security issues related to a nationwide health information technology 
infrastructure and strategies to ensure that patients' individually 
identifiable health information is secure and protected; (4) leads 
health information technology research efforts for ONC to help inform 
policy decisions and conducts key technical, scientific, economic, 
statistical and other studies related to health information technology; 
(5) develops procedures and pilot efforts for how medical knowledge can 
be collected, validated and available at the point of care; (6) 
facilitates discussions within HHS on the policy implications of key 
health information technology activities, and supports the National 
Coordinator in considering the policy implications of key health 
information technology activities; and (7) provides specialized 
technology and statistical expertise in support of policy proposal 
analysis.

    Dated: August 11, 2005.
Michael O. Leavitt,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 05-16446 Filed 8-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-24-M
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