WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal health technology oversight is being centralized again after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reversed a recent reorganization, moving key data, artificial intelligence, and technology leadership roles back under a single department-wide authority.
What This Means for You
- Federal health systems will be managed under one centralized technology structure
- Data security, AI oversight, and digital health systems are being unified
- Health IT policy and standards will be separated from day-to-day tech operations
The move restores the Office of the Chief Information Officer as the primary authority over enterprise-wide technology, cybersecurity, and data operations across HHS.
What Changed
HHS is undoing a 2024 restructuring that split technology leadership across multiple offices and created dual leadership titles.
That earlier structure placed broader technology responsibilities within the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, which was also renamed and combined with a policy leadership role.
The latest action eliminates that dual structure, returning the Office of the National Coordinator to a single, focused mission centered on health IT policy and standards.
Centralizing Technology Leadership
Under the new alignment, key leadership roles—including the Chief Technology Officer, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, and Chief Data Officer—will now report under the Chief Information Officer.
This consolidates responsibility for federal health systems, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure into one office.
In practical terms, it means a single team will oversee how federal health data is stored, protected, and used across agencies.
Focus on Policy vs. Operations
The reorganization separates two core functions.
The Office of the National Coordinator will focus on setting rules and standards for how health data is shared and used across the healthcare system.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Chief Information Officer will handle the technical side—building and maintaining the systems that store and protect that data.
Officials said this division is intended to improve coordination while avoiding overlapping responsibilities.
Agency Rationale
“This structure allows OCIO to provide an integrated backbone for cloud, cybersecurity, data, and AI that every HHS component can rely on,” said HHS Chief Information Officer Clark Minor.
“By bringing CTO, CAIO, and CDO functions together under one roof, we can move faster on shared platforms, protect our systems more effectively, and support ONC and the operating divisions with the technology capabilities they need to innovate for patients,” Minor said.
National Coordinator Dr. Thomas Keane said the change will allow his office to focus more directly on improving how health data is shared and used.
“Our remit is broad: making sure technology serves patients, providers, and other stakeholders with data and services that are secure, immediately accessible, and accurate,” Keane said.
Broader Impact on Healthcare Systems
Officials said the changes are designed to improve “interoperability,” meaning different healthcare systems can securely share patient data, and “data liquidity,” or the ability to access and use that data quickly when needed.
The goal is to make health information more accessible to providers while maintaining security, with the aim of improving care and reducing costs.
Next Steps
The Office of the National Coordinator will remain within the Office of the Secretary and continue reporting directly to HHS leadership.
More information about federal health IT initiatives is available at www.healthit.gov.
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