Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, 47931-47934 [2015-19522]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 153 / Monday, August 10, 2015 / Notices
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Olivia Shockey, Expansion Division
Director, Office of Policy and Program
Development, Bureau of Primary Health
Care, Health Resources and Services
Administration at 301–443–9282 or
oshockey@hrsa.gov.
Dated: July 31, 2015.
James Macrae,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015–19524 Filed 8–7–15; 8:45 am]
Human Services, Health Resources and
Services Administration, Parklawn Building,
17W29–C, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD
20857, Telephone (301) 443–0835, Fax (301)
443–2803.
Persons interested in attending any portion
of the meeting should contact Pierre Joseph
at the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
(FORHP) via telephone at (301) 945–0897 or
by email at PJoseph@hrsa.gov. The
Committee meeting agenda will be posted on
the Committee’s Web site at https://
www.hrsa.gov/advisorycommittees/rural/.
BILLING CODE 4165–15–P
Jackie Painter,
Director, Division of the Executive Secretariat.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
[FR Doc. 2015–19546 Filed 8–7–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165–15–P
Health Resources and Services
Administration
National Advisory Committee on Rural
Health and Human Services; Notice of
Meeting
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary, Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Administration
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of
the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(Pub. L. 92–463), notice is hereby given
of the following meeting:
Statement of Organization, Functions,
and Delegations of Authority; Office of
the Assistant Secretary for Public
Affairs
Name: National Advisory Committee on
Rural Health and Human Services.
Dates and Time: September 9, 2015, 8:45
a.m.–5:00 p.m. CDT, September 10, 2015,
8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. CDT, September 11,
2015, 8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. CDT.
Place: Shooting Star Hotel, 777 S Casino
Road, Mahnomen, Minnesota 56557, (800)
453–7827.
Status: The meeting will be open to the
public.
Purpose: The National Advisory
Committee on Rural Health and Human
Services provides counsel and
recommendations to the Secretary with
respect to the delivery, research,
development, and administration of health
and human services in rural areas.
Agenda: The meeting on Wednesday,
September 9, will be called to order at 8:45
a.m. by the Chairperson of the Committee,
the Honorable Ronnie Musgrove. The
Committee will examine the issue of Health
Care Delivery System Reform in rural areas
and the issue of Rural Child Poverty. The day
will conclude with a period of public
comment at approximately 4:45 p.m.
The Committee will break into
Subcommittees and depart for site visits
Thursday morning, September 10, at
approximately 8:30 a.m. Subcommittees will
visit the Otter Tail County Public Health
Department in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and
the Sanford Heath Detroit Lakes Clinic in
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The day will
conclude at the Shooting Star Hotel with a
period of public comment at approximately
5:00 p.m.
The Committee will meet to summarize
key findings and develop a work plan for the
next quarter and the following meeting on
Friday morning, September 11, at 8:30 a.m.
For Further Information Contact: Steve
Hirsch, MSLS, Executive Secretary, National
Advisory Committee on Rural Health and
Part A of the HHS Organization
Manual Office of the Secretary,
Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) is being amended at
Chapter AP, ‘‘Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA),’’ as
last amended at 70 FR 61621–22, dated
Oct. 25, 2005. Over the past several
years, ASPA has been refining its
organizational structure to improve its
strategic and operational
communication capacities to more
effectively support the mission and
strategic priorities of the Department. A
substantive element of this change has
been a shift from a purely operational
structure focusing on defined services to
one that builds a whole-of-ASPA
approach that draws on all
communication skills across each of
three key portfolios—health care, public
health, and human services. The
proposed organizational realignments
will, therefore, update and revise
ASPA’s structure to reflect this more
functional, strategic operational
approach. The changes are described
below:
I. Under Part A, Chapter AP, Section
AP.00 Mission, delete in its entirety and
replace with the following:
AP.00 Mission: The ASPA serves as
the Secretary’s principal counsel on
public affairs, leading efforts across the
Department to promote transparency,
accountability and access to critical
public health and human services
information to the American people.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs conducts national public
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affairs programs, provides centralized
leadership and guidance for public
affairs activities within HHS’ Staff and
Operating Divisions and regional
offices, manages the Department’s
digital communications and administers
the Freedom of Information and Privacy
Acts. The Division leads the planning,
development and implementation of
emergency incident communications
strategies and activities for the
Department. The ASPA reports directly
to the HHS Secretary.
II. Under Part A, Chapter AP, Section
AP.10 Organization, delete in its
entirety and replace with the following:
AP.10 Organization. The Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs,
headed by the Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs (ASPA) who reports to
the Secretary, supports public affairs
efforts for three primary issue areas:
Public Health, Human Services, and
Health Care. ASPA consists of the
following organizations:
• The Office of the Assistant Secretary
for Public Affairs, Agency Chief FOIA
Officer
• The Office of the Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary
—Strategic Planning Division
—Speechwriting Division
• The Office of the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Public Health
• The Office of the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Health Care
• The Office of the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Human Services
—Broadcast Services Division
—Digital Communications Division
• Executive Officer/Deputy Agency
Chief FOIA Officer
—Business Operations Division
—Administrative Operations Division
—FOIA/Privacy Act Division
III. Under Section AP.20 Functions,
delete in its entirety, and replace with
the following:
A. The Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Public Affairs (AP)—
Provides executive leadership, policy
direction, and management strategy for
the Department’s public affairs
programs and activities. Counsels and
acts for the Secretary and the
Department in carrying out
responsibilities under statutes,
Presidential directives, and Secretarial
orders for informing the general public,
specialized audiences, HHS employees,
and other Federal employees about the
programs, policies, and services of the
Department. Establishes and enforces
policies and practices which produce an
accurate, clear, efficient, and consistent
flow of information to the general public
and other audiences about departmental
programs and activities. Provides
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advice, counsel and information to the
Secretary and other HHS policymakers
to ensure that public affairs impact is
considered in the establishment of
departmental policies or the conduct of
its activities. Serves as the principal
point of contact with senior White
House officials regarding
communications and press issues.
Exercises professional leadership and
provides functional management of
public affairs activities throughout the
Department to ensure that Secretarial
priorities are followed, high quality
standards are met, and cost-effective,
non-duplicative communications
products are developed which
accurately and effectively inform its
audiences. Serves as Secretarial
surrogate throughout the public and
private sector to both represent the
views of the Administration and the
Secretary, and to inform and educate
various audiences. Ensures coordination
among public affairs components.
Manages public affairs issues and
special activities that cut across
Operating Division lines.
In addition, the Assistant Secretary
for Public Affairs (ASPA) serves as the
HHS Agency Chief FOIA Officer
(ACFO), pursuant to Executive Order
13392 and the Freedom of Information
Act, as amended by Public Law 110–
175, 121 Stat. 2524, 5 U.S.C. 552(k). In
this capacity, the ASPA/ACFO is
responsible for administering
information access and privacy
protection laws and HHS regulations
implementing these laws to ensure
Department wide consistency in
information disclosure, confidentiality
policies, practices and procedures. Such
laws include the Freedom of
Information Act and the Privacy Act, as
well as the open meetings provisions of
the Federal Advisory Committee Act,
the Government in the Sunshine Act
and the disclosure provisions of the
Ethics in Government Act.
B. The Office of the Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
(APE)—Responsible for developing
effective strategies to publicize
Departmental policies, goals and
accomplishments, activities related to
the Department’s communications
services and public affairs policy
analysis, and management oversight of
the Strategic Planning Division and the
Speechwriting Division. Provides advice
and assistance on all public affairs
matters, in consultation with the
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs;
coordinates with ASPA’s Deputy
Assistant Secretaries for Public Affairs
(Public Health, Health Care, Human
Services) in providing prompt response
to media and public inquiries, and in
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helping the Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs generate a strategic focus
for stories and other information
products that the Department develops
and wishes to highlight. Manages or
coordinates the conduct of high priority
media campaigns and information
programs in the Department. Acts as
liaison to private sector organizations, to
the Operating and Staff Divisions, to the
public affairs units in the HHS
Operating Divisions and Regions and to
other Federal agencies, including OMB
and the Office of Public Liaison at the
White House. Initiates, designs and
effects outreach programs for all
organizations, associations and
individuals concerned with the broad
range of policies, programs and issues of
the Department. Performs special
assignments which involve and cut
across Department programs and
activities to achieve broadly defined
public affairs management and program
objectives. Interacts with internal and
external organizations, groups and
individuals to secure and provide
information concerning matters
affecting HHS policy, interests, and
initiatives. Represents the Assistant
Secretary for Public Affairs in conveying
official viewpoints and policy
considerations of the Department and
the Administration.
B1. Strategic Planning Division
(APE1)—Provides strategic, long-term
vision and strong leadership on public
health, health care, and human services
initiatives. Collaborates with and has
the authority to work across HHS Staff/
Operating Divisions and White House
Press Offices. Leads implementation of
strategic plans and coordinates earned,
digital, and specialty media staff across
the Department to boost impact,
ensuring the right message is delivered
to the right audience through the right
channel. Advises the Secretary and
Senior Staff on tactics, timing and level
of investment in accordance with the
Department’s strategic priorities.
Provides proactive consultation and
advice to HHS Staff/Operating
Divisions, including regional staff,
regarding the dissemination of
information on programs, policies, and
initiatives; while ensuring the wide
dissemination of accurate materials to
the American public. Participates with
the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
(ASPA), the Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary (PDAS), and other ASPA staff
in discussions with staff across the
Department on cross-cutting issues
regarding overall policies, planning,
issues, concerns and activities and
related health care programs. Works
with all HHS Staff/Operating Divisions
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to develop a long-term outreach
strategy, coordinate in-house
communications efforts, and ensure
consistency with plain writing
directives. Promotes full and open
participation in the communications
process and develops reports and
recommendations, ensuring full review
and vetting of drafts by appropriate staff
between and among ASPA’s customers
and stakeholders at all levels.
Researches, understands, and translates
for a lay audience laws, policies,
regulations and precedents applicable to
public health, health care, and human
services. Oversees the document
clearance process and the prioritization
of rollouts while taking into account
internal and external feedback.
Coordinates and/or prepares briefings,
memos, policy calendars and other
information material for use by the
Secretary, HHS, at Secretarial and senior
staff briefings, the White House, and for
congressional and other briefings.
B2. Speechwriting Division (APE2)—
Serves as the principal resource with
the Department for reviewing and
editing written materials reflecting the
views of the Secretary, Deputy
Secretary, and Chief of Staff. Prepares
speeches, statements, articles, and
related material for the Secretary,
Deputy Secretary, and Chief of Staff and
other top Departmental officials.
Researches and prepares Op Ed pieces,
features, articles, and stories for the
media.
C. Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs (Public Health) (APB)—
The Public Health team works with
agencies such as the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Food and Drug
Administration, National Institutes for
Health, and others on initiatives and
strategies to promote public health,
improve health outcomes, prevent
disease, respond to outbreaks, and
accelerate scientific discovery. Key
priorities include helping Americans
achieve and maintain a healthy weight,
preventing and reducing tobacco use,
supporting the National HIV/AIDS
strategy, and implementing a modern
food safety system. The Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
(Public Health)—DAS–PH—provides
advice and assistance on all public
affairs matters within ASPA’s public
health portfolio, in consultation with
the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
and in coordination with the Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public
Affairs. In this capacity, the DAS–PH:
Provides prompt responses to media
and public inquiries; and generates a
strategic focus for stories and other
information products or outputs that the
Department develops and wishes to
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highlight; Conducts an active
communication program with the public
on behalf of the Department through the
media and other avenues of
communication in order to further
public understanding of its policies,
programs and issues; Coordinates press
activities with the White House Press
Office and other government
departmental press operations;
Responds to inquiries from Congress,
other arms of the government, media
and the public that involves the
collection of data. In addition, the DAS–
PH leads the planning, development
and implementation of emergency
incident and risk communications
strategies and activities for the
Department.
D. Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs (Health Care) (APC)—The
Health Care team works to advance a
21st century healthcare system that
delivers high quality, affordable care to
all Americans. The team works with
agencies such as the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality, Office
of the National Coordinator for Health
Information Technology, Health
Resources and Services Administration,
and the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services to improve access,
quality, safety, efficiency, and
effectiveness of the nation’s healthcare.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs (Health Care)—DAS–
HC—provides advice and assistance on
all public affairs matters within ASPA’s
healthcare portfolio, in consultation
with the Assistant Secretary for Public
Affairs and in coordination with the
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs. In this capacity, the
DAS–HC: Provides prompt responses to
media and public inquiries; and
generates a strategic focus for stories
and other information products or
outputs that the Department develops
and wishes to highlight; Conducts an
active communication program with the
public on behalf of the Department
through the media and other avenues of
communication in order to further
public understanding of its policies,
programs and issues; Coordinates press
activities with the White House Press
Office and other government
departmental press operations;
Responds to inquiries from Congress,
other arms of the government, media
and the public that involves the
collection of data. A key initiative in the
DAS–HC portfolio is to help implement
the Affordable Care Act, which is
providing new coverage options and
tools for Americans to make informed
choices about their health.
E. Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs (Human Services)
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(APD)—The Human Services team helps
Americans of all ages and backgrounds
live full, productive lives: Kids getting
a ‘‘Head Start’’ through early childhood
education, families transitioning out of
poverty to economic independence,
teens and adults recovering from mental
illness and addiction, and seniors
participating in communities that value
their contributions. These and other
human service programs are carried out
by the Administration for Children and
Families, Administration for
Community Living, Indian Health
Service, Office for Civil Rights, and
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration. The Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
(Human Services)—DAS–HS—provides
advice and assistance on all public
affairs matters within ASPA’s healthcare
portfolio, in consultation with the
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
and in coordination with the Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public
Affairs. In this capacity, the DAS–HS:
Provides prompt responses to media
and public inquiries; and generates a
strategic focus for stories and other
information products or outputs that the
Department develops and wishes to
highlight; Conducts an active
communication program with the public
on behalf of the Department through the
media and other avenues of
communication in order to further
public understanding of its policies,
programs and issues; Coordinates press
activities with the White House Press
Office and other government
departmental press operations;
Responds to inquiries from Congress,
other arms of the government, media
and the public that involves the
collection of data. In addition, the DAS–
HS provides direction and oversight to
the Broadcast Communications Division
(BCD) and the Digital Communications
Division (DCD).
E.1 Broadcast Communications
Division—BCD (APD1)—Collaborates
with subject matter experts and key
stakeholders to create useful and cost
effective video products that support
Departmental goals. Provides a wide
range of video production and A/V
services. Operates the HHS studio and
coordinates activities with other HHS
studios as required. Under the direction
of the ASPA, supports key initiatives for
the Secretary and all HHS Staff
Divisions by developing and
implementing media campaigns and
special projects. Acts as liaison to
broadcast organizations. Supports A/V
services in the Humphrey Auditorium
and Great Hall.
E.2 Digital Communications
Division—DCD (APD2): Leads the
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development and review of HHS Web
content, social media, and supporting
technologies. Recommends and
implements digital (including Web)
information policy, standards, guidance,
and tools for the Department. Assesses
the content and usability of all proposed
Department-wide and Office of the
Secretary (OS)-level Web sites to ensure
they are consistent with Departmental
policies and goals. Manages the daily
operations of the main HHS/OS public
Web site (HHS.gov) and associated
social media; the Department’s priority
Web sites and several cross-federal topic
Web sites, such as FoodSafety.gov and
Flu.gov, Secretary-level Web pages; and
the HHS intranet. Runs the
Department’s user experience (UE)
program, including two usability
laboratories; responsible for Section 508
(accessibility) compliance across all
Departmental digital communications
platforms, including Web.
F. Executive Officer/Deputy Agency
Chief FOIA Officer (APA)—Coordinates
ASPA’s day-to-day operations,
overseeing management operations and
policy, workforce plans and other
human resources activities, and general
administrative support including
information technology requirements.
Oversees the formulation and execution
of ASPA’s annual budgets and financial
operating plans. Ensures that ASPA
effectively integrates its performance
metrics and budget processes, in order
to support informed decision-making
related to funding constraints and
program requirements and outcomes.
Supports the development and
implementation of management
strategies, business processes, and
standard operating procedures that fully
support the attainment of ASPA
program goals and mission critical
initiatives.
ASPA’s Executive Officer also serves
as the designated Deputy Agency Chief
FOIA Officer (DACFO) and is delegated
authority to execute the provisions of
EO 13392 and 5 U.S.C. 552 (k), as
follows: Monitoring FOIA
implementation throughout the
department and keeping the Secretary
and the Office of the General Counsel
(OGC), HHS, and the U.S. Attorney
General appropriately informed of HHS’
performance in implementing FOIA;
recommending to the Secretary
adjustments to departmental practices,
policies, personnel, and funding
necessary to improve HHS
implementation of FOIA; facilitating
public understanding of the purposes of
the statutory FOIA exemptions;
establishing Departmental FOIA policies
and providing training and technical
assistance to the department’s Operating
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Divisions (OpDivs); concurring in the
delegation by an authorized HHS OpDiv
FOIA Officer of the officer’s authority to
deny records or determine fees; serving
as the review authority for appeals from
a decision to deny a request for records
or a refusal to waive fees made by the
Director, FOIA/Privacy Act Division,
ASPA, as well as ensuring consultation
with OGC and providing review and
concurrence on all departmental appeal
decisions, including those on fees;
general responsibility for Departmentwide implementation and
administration of the Privacy Act;
authority to decide appeals of refusals to
amend or correct records of the Office
of the Secretary (OS); serving as ASPA’s
designated senior level official on the
HHS Data Integrity Board; and
acknowledging receipt of requests from
OpDiv and OS Staff Division heads and
Regional Directors for waivers to the
minimum safeguarding standards
established to secure records
maintained in systems of records.
F1. Business Operations Division
(APA1)—Directs ASPA budget
formulation, execution and financial
management; incorporating a resultsoriented, program quality, and cost
effectiveness focus into assessing and
managing ASPA’s resource
requirements and developing and
executing integrated performance-based
budgets. Oversees and manages ASPA
contracts and procurements, physical
property, and information technology
initiatives and requirements.
Coordinates travel operations support,
reporting, and auditing. Serves as
ASPA’s liaison to the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Financial
Resources (ASFR) for budget and
finance matters and the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Administration
(ASA) for facilities, property
accountability, and contract
implementation and oversight matters.
Additionally serves as the ASPA point
of contact for departmental UFMS,
PRISM, and acquisition management
initiatives and for budget and
performance integration inquiries from
OMB and Congress.
F2. Administrative Operations
Division (APA2)—Directs ASPA’s
human capital planning, human
resources (HR) performance
management, and other departmental
HR policy and program requirements.
Serves as ASPA’s internal consultant
and source of expert technical
assistance on organizational
development and human capital
management (e.g., staffing and
workforce analysis, transition and
succession planning, awards and special
honors programs), and as liaison to the
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Office of the Secretary (OS) Office of
Human Resources (OHR) on sensitive
personnel issues (e.g., EEO, labor and
management relations, performance and
conduct-based actions). Coordinates
with OHR concerning all ASPA
recruitment and personnel actions and
manages professional staff development.
Administers ASPA’s Ethics Program and
serves as liaison with OS’ Office of
Security and Strategic Information
(OSSI) on behalf of ASPA staff regarding
personnel security initiatives and
requirements.
F3. FOI/Privacy Acts Division
(APA3)—Administers Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act
issues and requests, including appeals
for the Office of the Secretary. Supports
and assists the execution of the ACFO/
DACFO responsibilities to monitor and
facilitate departmental compliance with
public disclosure requirements;
establish departmental Freedom of
Information Act policies; coordinate,
monitor, and compile reports to
Congress; and provide technical
assistance to the HHS Operating
Divisions. Maintains the Department’s
index of materials mandated for public
release by FOIA. In concert with Office
of General Counsel staff, assists in
developing regulations, policy
interpretations, guidelines and
procedures, and training programs for
all Department components, as
necessary and appropriate to implement
FOIA and related legislation, including
the Privacy Act, Federal Advisory
Committee Act and the Government in
the Sunshine Act. Provides responses to
requests made to components of the
Office of the Secretary pursuant to the
Freedom of Information Act and
determines the availability of records
and information under the law and HHS
Regulations. Resolves questions
regarding the release of records which
overlap the FOIA and the Privacy Act.
Analyzes and recommends action on
FOIA and Privacy Act appeals for
documents denied by officials in the
Office of the Secretary.
Dated: August 3, 2015.
E.J. Holland, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary for Administration.
[FR Doc. 2015–19522 Filed 8–7–15; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Health IT Standards Committee;
Schedule for the Assessment of Health
IT Policy Committee
Recommendations
Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information
Technology, HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Section 3003(b)(3) of the
American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 mandates that the Health IT
Standards Committee develop a
schedule for the assessment of policy
recommendations developed by the
Health IT Policy Committee and publish
it in the Federal Register. This notice
fulfills the requirements of Section
3003(b)(3) and updates the schedule
posted in the Federal Register on
August 18, 2014. In anticipation of
receiving recommendations originally
developed by the Health IT Policy
Committee, the Health IT Standards
Committee will form task forces that
will be convened to address specific
issues, as needed.
Health IT Standards Committee’s
Schedule for the Assessment of Health
IT Policy Committee Recommendations
is as follows:
The National Coordinator will
establish priority areas based in part on
recommendations received from the
Health IT Policy Committee regarding
health information technology
standards, implementation
specifications, and/or certification
criteria. Once the Health IT Standards
Committee is informed of those priority
areas, it will:
(A) Identify the best mechanism by
which to organize itself in order to
respond to the National Coordinator
within 90 days with, at a minimum, the
following:
(1) An assessment of what standards,
implementation specifications, and
certification criteria are currently
available to meet the priority area;
(2) An assessment of where gaps exist
(i.e., no standard is available or
harmonization is required because more
than one standard exists) and identify
potential organizations that have the
capability to address those gaps; and
(3) a timeline, which may also
account for NIST testing, where
appropriate, and include dates when the
Health IT Standards Committee is
expected to issue recommendation(s) to
the National Coordinator.
(B) Upon responding to the National
Coordinator, the Health IT Standards
Committee will:
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
- Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 153 (Monday, August 10, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47931-47934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19522]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Administration
Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of
Authority; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
Part A of the HHS Organization Manual Office of the Secretary,
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is being amended at
Chapter AP, ``Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
(ASPA),'' as last amended at 70 FR 61621-22, dated Oct. 25, 2005. Over
the past several years, ASPA has been refining its organizational
structure to improve its strategic and operational communication
capacities to more effectively support the mission and strategic
priorities of the Department. A substantive element of this change has
been a shift from a purely operational structure focusing on defined
services to one that builds a whole-of-ASPA approach that draws on all
communication skills across each of three key portfolios--health care,
public health, and human services. The proposed organizational
realignments will, therefore, update and revise ASPA's structure to
reflect this more functional, strategic operational approach. The
changes are described below:
I. Under Part A, Chapter AP, Section AP.00 Mission, delete in its
entirety and replace with the following:
AP.00 Mission: The ASPA serves as the Secretary's principal counsel
on public affairs, leading efforts across the Department to promote
transparency, accountability and access to critical public health and
human services information to the American people. The Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs conducts national public affairs
programs, provides centralized leadership and guidance for public
affairs activities within HHS' Staff and Operating Divisions and
regional offices, manages the Department's digital communications and
administers the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts. The Division
leads the planning, development and implementation of emergency
incident communications strategies and activities for the Department.
The ASPA reports directly to the HHS Secretary.
II. Under Part A, Chapter AP, Section AP.10 Organization, delete in
its entirety and replace with the following:
AP.10 Organization. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs, headed by the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
(ASPA) who reports to the Secretary, supports public affairs efforts
for three primary issue areas: Public Health, Human Services, and
Health Care. ASPA consists of the following organizations:
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs,
Agency Chief FOIA Officer
The Office of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
--Strategic Planning Division
--Speechwriting Division
The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Health
The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Care
The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human
Services
--Broadcast Services Division
--Digital Communications Division
Executive Officer/Deputy Agency Chief FOIA Officer
--Business Operations Division
--Administrative Operations Division
--FOIA/Privacy Act Division
III. Under Section AP.20 Functions, delete in its entirety, and
replace with the following:
A. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (AP)--
Provides executive leadership, policy direction, and management
strategy for the Department's public affairs programs and activities.
Counsels and acts for the Secretary and the Department in carrying out
responsibilities under statutes, Presidential directives, and
Secretarial orders for informing the general public, specialized
audiences, HHS employees, and other Federal employees about the
programs, policies, and services of the Department. Establishes and
enforces policies and practices which produce an accurate, clear,
efficient, and consistent flow of information to the general public and
other audiences about departmental programs and activities. Provides
[[Page 47932]]
advice, counsel and information to the Secretary and other HHS
policymakers to ensure that public affairs impact is considered in the
establishment of departmental policies or the conduct of its
activities. Serves as the principal point of contact with senior White
House officials regarding communications and press issues. Exercises
professional leadership and provides functional management of public
affairs activities throughout the Department to ensure that Secretarial
priorities are followed, high quality standards are met, and cost-
effective, non-duplicative communications products are developed which
accurately and effectively inform its audiences. Serves as Secretarial
surrogate throughout the public and private sector to both represent
the views of the Administration and the Secretary, and to inform and
educate various audiences. Ensures coordination among public affairs
components. Manages public affairs issues and special activities that
cut across Operating Division lines.
In addition, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)
serves as the HHS Agency Chief FOIA Officer (ACFO), pursuant to
Executive Order 13392 and the Freedom of Information Act, as amended by
Public Law 110-175, 121 Stat. 2524, 5 U.S.C. 552(k). In this capacity,
the ASPA/ACFO is responsible for administering information access and
privacy protection laws and HHS regulations implementing these laws to
ensure Department wide consistency in information disclosure,
confidentiality policies, practices and procedures. Such laws include
the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act, as well as the open
meetings provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the
Government in the Sunshine Act and the disclosure provisions of the
Ethics in Government Act.
B. The Office of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Public Affairs (APE)--Responsible for developing effective strategies
to publicize Departmental policies, goals and accomplishments,
activities related to the Department's communications services and
public affairs policy analysis, and management oversight of the
Strategic Planning Division and the Speechwriting Division. Provides
advice and assistance on all public affairs matters, in consultation
with the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs; coordinates with
ASPA's Deputy Assistant Secretaries for Public Affairs (Public Health,
Health Care, Human Services) in providing prompt response to media and
public inquiries, and in helping the Assistant Secretary for Public
Affairs generate a strategic focus for stories and other information
products that the Department develops and wishes to highlight. Manages
or coordinates the conduct of high priority media campaigns and
information programs in the Department. Acts as liaison to private
sector organizations, to the Operating and Staff Divisions, to the
public affairs units in the HHS Operating Divisions and Regions and to
other Federal agencies, including OMB and the Office of Public Liaison
at the White House. Initiates, designs and effects outreach programs
for all organizations, associations and individuals concerned with the
broad range of policies, programs and issues of the Department.
Performs special assignments which involve and cut across Department
programs and activities to achieve broadly defined public affairs
management and program objectives. Interacts with internal and external
organizations, groups and individuals to secure and provide information
concerning matters affecting HHS policy, interests, and initiatives.
Represents the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs in conveying
official viewpoints and policy considerations of the Department and the
Administration.
B1. Strategic Planning Division (APE1)--Provides strategic, long-
term vision and strong leadership on public health, health care, and
human services initiatives. Collaborates with and has the authority to
work across HHS Staff/Operating Divisions and White House Press
Offices. Leads implementation of strategic plans and coordinates
earned, digital, and specialty media staff across the Department to
boost impact, ensuring the right message is delivered to the right
audience through the right channel. Advises the Secretary and Senior
Staff on tactics, timing and level of investment in accordance with the
Department's strategic priorities. Provides proactive consultation and
advice to HHS Staff/Operating Divisions, including regional staff,
regarding the dissemination of information on programs, policies, and
initiatives; while ensuring the wide dissemination of accurate
materials to the American public. Participates with the Assistant
Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA), the Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary (PDAS), and other ASPA staff in discussions with staff across
the Department on cross-cutting issues regarding overall policies,
planning, issues, concerns and activities and related health care
programs. Works with all HHS Staff/Operating Divisions to develop a
long-term outreach strategy, coordinate in-house communications
efforts, and ensure consistency with plain writing directives. Promotes
full and open participation in the communications process and develops
reports and recommendations, ensuring full review and vetting of drafts
by appropriate staff between and among ASPA's customers and
stakeholders at all levels. Researches, understands, and translates for
a lay audience laws, policies, regulations and precedents applicable to
public health, health care, and human services. Oversees the document
clearance process and the prioritization of rollouts while taking into
account internal and external feedback. Coordinates and/or prepares
briefings, memos, policy calendars and other information material for
use by the Secretary, HHS, at Secretarial and senior staff briefings,
the White House, and for congressional and other briefings.
B2. Speechwriting Division (APE2)--Serves as the principal resource
with the Department for reviewing and editing written materials
reflecting the views of the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Chief of
Staff. Prepares speeches, statements, articles, and related material
for the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Chief of Staff and other top
Departmental officials. Researches and prepares Op Ed pieces, features,
articles, and stories for the media.
C. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Public Health)
(APB)--The Public Health team works with agencies such as the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration,
National Institutes for Health, and others on initiatives and
strategies to promote public health, improve health outcomes, prevent
disease, respond to outbreaks, and accelerate scientific discovery. Key
priorities include helping Americans achieve and maintain a healthy
weight, preventing and reducing tobacco use, supporting the National
HIV/AIDS strategy, and implementing a modern food safety system. The
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Public Health)--DAS-PH--
provides advice and assistance on all public affairs matters within
ASPA's public health portfolio, in consultation with the Assistant
Secretary for Public Affairs and in coordination with the Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. In this capacity, the
DAS-PH: Provides prompt responses to media and public inquiries; and
generates a strategic focus for stories and other information products
or outputs that the Department develops and wishes to
[[Page 47933]]
highlight; Conducts an active communication program with the public on
behalf of the Department through the media and other avenues of
communication in order to further public understanding of its policies,
programs and issues; Coordinates press activities with the White House
Press Office and other government departmental press operations;
Responds to inquiries from Congress, other arms of the government,
media and the public that involves the collection of data. In addition,
the DAS-PH leads the planning, development and implementation of
emergency incident and risk communications strategies and activities
for the Department.
D. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Health Care)
(APC)--The Health Care team works to advance a 21st century healthcare
system that delivers high quality, affordable care to all Americans.
The team works with agencies such as the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information
Technology, Health Resources and Services Administration, and the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to improve access, quality,
safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the nation's healthcare. The
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Health Care)--DAS-HC--
provides advice and assistance on all public affairs matters within
ASPA's healthcare portfolio, in consultation with the Assistant
Secretary for Public Affairs and in coordination with the Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. In this capacity, the
DAS-HC: Provides prompt responses to media and public inquiries; and
generates a strategic focus for stories and other information products
or outputs that the Department develops and wishes to highlight;
Conducts an active communication program with the public on behalf of
the Department through the media and other avenues of communication in
order to further public understanding of its policies, programs and
issues; Coordinates press activities with the White House Press Office
and other government departmental press operations; Responds to
inquiries from Congress, other arms of the government, media and the
public that involves the collection of data. A key initiative in the
DAS-HC portfolio is to help implement the Affordable Care Act, which is
providing new coverage options and tools for Americans to make informed
choices about their health.
E. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Human Services)
(APD)--The Human Services team helps Americans of all ages and
backgrounds live full, productive lives: Kids getting a ``Head Start''
through early childhood education, families transitioning out of
poverty to economic independence, teens and adults recovering from
mental illness and addiction, and seniors participating in communities
that value their contributions. These and other human service programs
are carried out by the Administration for Children and Families,
Administration for Community Living, Indian Health Service, Office for
Civil Rights, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
(Human Services)--DAS-HS--provides advice and assistance on all public
affairs matters within ASPA's healthcare portfolio, in consultation
with the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and in coordination
with the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. In
this capacity, the DAS-HS: Provides prompt responses to media and
public inquiries; and generates a strategic focus for stories and other
information products or outputs that the Department develops and wishes
to highlight; Conducts an active communication program with the public
on behalf of the Department through the media and other avenues of
communication in order to further public understanding of its policies,
programs and issues; Coordinates press activities with the White House
Press Office and other government departmental press operations;
Responds to inquiries from Congress, other arms of the government,
media and the public that involves the collection of data. In addition,
the DAS-HS provides direction and oversight to the Broadcast
Communications Division (BCD) and the Digital Communications Division
(DCD).
E.1 Broadcast Communications Division--BCD (APD1)--Collaborates
with subject matter experts and key stakeholders to create useful and
cost effective video products that support Departmental goals. Provides
a wide range of video production and A/V services. Operates the HHS
studio and coordinates activities with other HHS studios as required.
Under the direction of the ASPA, supports key initiatives for the
Secretary and all HHS Staff Divisions by developing and implementing
media campaigns and special projects. Acts as liaison to broadcast
organizations. Supports A/V services in the Humphrey Auditorium and
Great Hall.
E.2 Digital Communications Division--DCD (APD2): Leads the
development and review of HHS Web content, social media, and supporting
technologies. Recommends and implements digital (including Web)
information policy, standards, guidance, and tools for the Department.
Assesses the content and usability of all proposed Department-wide and
Office of the Secretary (OS)-level Web sites to ensure they are
consistent with Departmental policies and goals. Manages the daily
operations of the main HHS/OS public Web site (HHS.gov) and associated
social media; the Department's priority Web sites and several cross-
federal topic Web sites, such as FoodSafety.gov and Flu.gov, Secretary-
level Web pages; and the HHS intranet. Runs the Department's user
experience (UE) program, including two usability laboratories;
responsible for Section 508 (accessibility) compliance across all
Departmental digital communications platforms, including Web.
F. Executive Officer/Deputy Agency Chief FOIA Officer (APA)--
Coordinates ASPA's day-to-day operations, overseeing management
operations and policy, workforce plans and other human resources
activities, and general administrative support including information
technology requirements. Oversees the formulation and execution of
ASPA's annual budgets and financial operating plans. Ensures that ASPA
effectively integrates its performance metrics and budget processes, in
order to support informed decision-making related to funding
constraints and program requirements and outcomes. Supports the
development and implementation of management strategies, business
processes, and standard operating procedures that fully support the
attainment of ASPA program goals and mission critical initiatives.
ASPA's Executive Officer also serves as the designated Deputy
Agency Chief FOIA Officer (DACFO) and is delegated authority to execute
the provisions of EO 13392 and 5 U.S.C. 552 (k), as follows: Monitoring
FOIA implementation throughout the department and keeping the Secretary
and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), HHS, and the U.S. Attorney
General appropriately informed of HHS' performance in implementing
FOIA; recommending to the Secretary adjustments to departmental
practices, policies, personnel, and funding necessary to improve HHS
implementation of FOIA; facilitating public understanding of the
purposes of the statutory FOIA exemptions; establishing Departmental
FOIA policies and providing training and technical assistance to the
department's Operating
[[Page 47934]]
Divisions (OpDivs); concurring in the delegation by an authorized HHS
OpDiv FOIA Officer of the officer's authority to deny records or
determine fees; serving as the review authority for appeals from a
decision to deny a request for records or a refusal to waive fees made
by the Director, FOIA/Privacy Act Division, ASPA, as well as ensuring
consultation with OGC and providing review and concurrence on all
departmental appeal decisions, including those on fees; general
responsibility for Department-wide implementation and administration of
the Privacy Act; authority to decide appeals of refusals to amend or
correct records of the Office of the Secretary (OS); serving as ASPA's
designated senior level official on the HHS Data Integrity Board; and
acknowledging receipt of requests from OpDiv and OS Staff Division
heads and Regional Directors for waivers to the minimum safeguarding
standards established to secure records maintained in systems of
records.
F1. Business Operations Division (APA1)--Directs ASPA budget
formulation, execution and financial management; incorporating a
results-oriented, program quality, and cost effectiveness focus into
assessing and managing ASPA's resource requirements and developing and
executing integrated performance-based budgets. Oversees and manages
ASPA contracts and procurements, physical property, and information
technology initiatives and requirements. Coordinates travel operations
support, reporting, and auditing. Serves as ASPA's liaison to the
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR) for
budget and finance matters and the Office of the Assistant Secretary
for Administration (ASA) for facilities, property accountability, and
contract implementation and oversight matters. Additionally serves as
the ASPA point of contact for departmental UFMS, PRISM, and acquisition
management initiatives and for budget and performance integration
inquiries from OMB and Congress.
F2. Administrative Operations Division (APA2)--Directs ASPA's human
capital planning, human resources (HR) performance management, and
other departmental HR policy and program requirements. Serves as ASPA's
internal consultant and source of expert technical assistance on
organizational development and human capital management (e.g., staffing
and workforce analysis, transition and succession planning, awards and
special honors programs), and as liaison to the Office of the Secretary
(OS) Office of Human Resources (OHR) on sensitive personnel issues
(e.g., EEO, labor and management relations, performance and conduct-
based actions). Coordinates with OHR concerning all ASPA recruitment
and personnel actions and manages professional staff development.
Administers ASPA's Ethics Program and serves as liaison with OS' Office
of Security and Strategic Information (OSSI) on behalf of ASPA staff
regarding personnel security initiatives and requirements.
F3. FOI/Privacy Acts Division (APA3)--Administers Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act issues and requests, including
appeals for the Office of the Secretary. Supports and assists the
execution of the ACFO/DACFO responsibilities to monitor and facilitate
departmental compliance with public disclosure requirements; establish
departmental Freedom of Information Act policies; coordinate, monitor,
and compile reports to Congress; and provide technical assistance to
the HHS Operating Divisions. Maintains the Department's index of
materials mandated for public release by FOIA. In concert with Office
of General Counsel staff, assists in developing regulations, policy
interpretations, guidelines and procedures, and training programs for
all Department components, as necessary and appropriate to implement
FOIA and related legislation, including the Privacy Act, Federal
Advisory Committee Act and the Government in the Sunshine Act. Provides
responses to requests made to components of the Office of the Secretary
pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and determines the
availability of records and information under the law and HHS
Regulations. Resolves questions regarding the release of records which
overlap the FOIA and the Privacy Act. Analyzes and recommends action on
FOIA and Privacy Act appeals for documents denied by officials in the
Office of the Secretary.
Dated: August 3, 2015.
E.J. Holland, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary for Administration.
[FR Doc. 2015-19522 Filed 8-7-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-25-P
