Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority, 48718-48720 [05-16446]
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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Fmt 4703
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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
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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
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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
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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