Health Tech Meetings: Bureaucracy's Calendar for 2026 Patient Data Debates
Published Date: 1/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC) will hold public meetings throughout 2026 to guide health tech standards and policies. This affects patients, health experts, and government leaders who help shape how health info is shared and protected. Members serve up to six years without pay but get travel costs covered, and everyone’s invited to join the conversation online or in person!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
HITAC Will Recommend Health IT Standards
You (patients and health stakeholders) should know the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC) will develop and submit recommendations to the Assistant Secretary/National Coordinator on interoperability, privacy and security, and patient access to information. Those recommendations are made publicly available at the HITAC recommendations webpage.
Public Can Attend HITAC Meetings
You can attend HITAC public meetings: they are virtual (with some in-person options) and open to the public on February 19, May 7, September 24, and November 5, 2026, from about 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Background materials will be posted no later than 24 hours before meetings, oral public comment is scheduled at each meeting with a three-minute limit per commenter, and people needing special accommodations should request them at least seven days before a meeting.
Committee Service Is Unpaid But Travel Covered
Members of the HITAC serve without pay but will be provided per-diem and travel costs for committee services when warranted. Members serve one-, two-, or three-year terms, may be reappointed for a subsequent three-year term, and are limited to two three-year terms (not to exceed six years total).
Patient Advocates Included on HITAC
The HITAC is composed of at least 25 members and must include no fewer than 2 members who are advocates for patients or consumers of health information technology; other members are appointed by officials including the HHS Secretary, congressional leaders, and the Comptroller General. The committee will hear periodic reports and develop recommendations on HIT topics.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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