HHS Health IT Alignment Program

About the Program

Overview Fact Sheet

Summary Overview of Adopted Standards [PDF]

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health IT Alignment Program aligns department-wide health IT activities. The Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) leads these efforts by working across HHS to promote greater alignment of health IT-related activities in support of HHS’ health IT and interoperability goals. In consultation with ASTP/ONC, HHS operating and staff divisions are now including standard health IT language in applicable grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and rulemaking/guidance to ensure alignment of HHS’ health IT investments. Divisions are also working with ASTP/ONC to maximize health IT alignment opportunities for any major health IT-related activity.

Through greater alignment of health IT-related activities across the department, HHS is ensuring consistent use of interoperable standards and fully exercising departmental authorities. These efforts will ensure alignment of activities to avoid data silos and industry confusion, while better supporting each agency’s mission. It is also improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s health IT investments, ensuring consistency in approaches to the collection and use of health information, and providing the ability to analyze data trends that can inform program operations across HHS.