HHS Revamps Health IT Office, Axes AI and Data Chief Positions
Published Date: 4/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Health and Human Services is shaking things up by removing the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy role and making the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) a standalone office again. ONC will focus on leading health IT efforts without the extra tech roles like Chief AI or Data Officers. These changes take effect immediately and aim to streamline how health information tech supports Americans’ health.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09383 — Restoring Flexibility To Support Head Start Program Access
The government wants to give Head Start programs more freedom by removing some strict rules about staff wages and benefits. This change aims to save over $2 billion and help more kids get quality early education. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 11, 2026!
2026-09382 — Restoring Flexibility in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
Starting July 13, 2026, states and territories get more freedom in running the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This means they no longer have to limit family co-pays to 7% of income or follow strict rules on paying child care providers. These changes cut red tape and could save money, making it easier to support families and child care programs.
2026-07205 — Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs for Medicare Advantage Organizations, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, State Medicaid Agencies, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies and CHIP Managed Care Entities, and Issuers of Qualified Health Plans on the Federally-Facilitated Exchanges
Starting soon, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, and health plans on federal exchanges will need to use better tech to share health info and speed up drug approval requests. This means less waiting and smoother care for patients, while plans and agencies will update their systems to meet new rules. These changes aim to save time and money by making health data work together more easily, with deadlines coming in the next couple of years.
2026-06600 — Medicare Program; Contract Year 2027 and Certain Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program
Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Cost Plan programs are getting some fresh updates! These changes improve how plans are rated, marketed, and how drugs are covered, making it easier and better for millions of Medicare users. The new rules kick in June 1, 2026, so plans can get ready to serve you smarter and smoother next year.
2026-06632 — Work Participation Rate Calculation Changes: Recalibration of the Caseload Reduction Credit and Prohibition of Small Checks in Work Participation Rate Calculation
The government is updating how it counts work participation for families getting TANF help. They’re changing the base year for measuring progress from 2005 to 2015 and won’t count tiny monthly payments under $35 anymore. These changes, required by a 2023 law, could affect states’ reported success and start soon, so everyone should pay attention!
2026-05676 — Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures
Starting May 26, 2026, health care providers, insurers, and tech companies must use new electronic standards for sending extra info with health care claims and for electronic signatures. This change will replace slow fax and mail methods, making claim processing faster and smoother. Everyone must follow these rules by May 26, 2028, which could save time and reduce costs in health care paperwork.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06283 — Prospective Grant of an Exclusive Patent License: Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) Peptides and Use for Treating Retinal Degeneration
The National Eye Institute plans to give Perpetual Biosciences, Inc. an exclusive license to use special PEDF peptides that could help treat eye diseases causing vision loss. This means the company will have the sole right to develop and sell this new treatment, potentially speeding up cures for retinal degeneration. If you want to comment or apply for a license, act fast—submissions close April 16, 2026!
Next: 2026-06285 — Committee Member Nominations Sought Notice; Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs
The Small Business Administration is looking for veteran small business owners and veteran service group reps to join their Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. These members will help shape policies that support veteran-owned businesses and serve up to three years without pay, but with travel costs covered. Nominations are open now and accepted anytime, so if you know a qualified veteran leader, now’s the time to step up!