Turmoil in Washington: What’s Next for Health IT Under Trump’s Second Administration?
The political climate in Washington has been exceptionally tumultuous as the second Trump Administration embarks on its journey. With multiple fronts of policy and governance currently in contention, significant changes are on the horizon, particularly concerning healthcare and health IT policy.
Robert F. Kennedy’s Expected Impact
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is yet to be confirmed, but his recent progress through a party-line vote on February 4 has raised expectations. If he secures a final vote from the Senate, many burning questions regarding the future trajectory of health IT policy may receive clearer answers.
Insights from Industry Experts
In a recent discussion, we spoke with Leigh Burchell, the Vice President of Policy and Public Affairs for Altera Digital Health and the incoming Chair of the EHR Association. Burchell shared her insights about prospective changes in the health IT landscape under the new administration, offering a glimpse into her conversations with stakeholders in Washington.
AI Policy Shifts: A New Era Begins
The Rescinding of AI Executive Orders
One of President Trump’s initial actions was to swiftly annul the Biden administration’s executive order on artificial intelligence, which included critical stipulations pertaining to AI in healthcare. Burchell suggests that this shift indicates less focus on the potential inequities posed by AI technologies and more emphasis on enhancing global competitiveness in AI development.
The State-Level Legislative Surge
The absence of a robust national framework for AI in healthcare is likely to maintain the intense pace of state-level legislation that we have witnessed over the past year. Burchell notes that this “patchwork approach” poses a significant challenge for software developers and healthcare providers who operate across state lines.
The Gag Order’s Impact on Healthcare Communication
Potential Consequences of the HHS Gag Order
Currently, a gag order at HHS continues to hinder communications among government stakeholders, affecting their participation in industry meetings. Burchell opines that if the order is lifted, its effects may still linger, particularly for agencies focused on public health, which may take longer to resume normal communication.
The Hunt for Leadership at ONC
Speculations on the New ONC Chief
Discussion around the new Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) chief position is gaining traction. Burchell has heard that several candidates are under consideration, indicating that this role is a priority for the transition team. However, finding an ideal candidate willing to commit to a federal salary and full-time office presence poses a challenge.
ASTP’s Future: What Lies Ahead?
Concerns Over Progress and Budget Cuts
The Advancing State Technology Program (ASTP) might not be shielded from the broad deregulatory trends and budget reductions impacting other federal agencies. Burchell anticipates some constriction in ASTP’s operational scope and work volume in the upcoming years, though health IT has typically attracted bipartisan support.
Attention on AI and Cybersecurity
Legislative Interests in Health IT
As Congress continues to grapple with pressing issues, there’s rising interest in AI and cybersecurity within the health IT domain. Once the initial flurry of nominations and budgeting concludes, we can expect Congress to take decisive steps in these critical areas.
Bridging the Gap in Rural Care
Safeguarding Rural Healthcare Delivery
Senate leadership is keen on ensuring that technological gaps do not translate into gaps in care quality for rural populations. Burchell warns that innovative strategies must be employed to protect rural healthcare delivery systems as new regulations emerge.
Chronic Disease Management: A New Focus
Emphasis on Outcomes Measurement
The potential confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz as health leaders might herald a more intense focus on chronic disease management. Improved tracking of patient outcomes and effective treatments could dictate future regulatory requirements and quality measurements within healthcare systems.
Anticipating Value-Based Care Initiatives
The Shift Toward Value-Based Care
Moving forward, Burchell stresses that effective management of chronic diseases necessitates deeper insights into patient experiences and treatment efficacy. Therefore, there could be a surge in the push for value-based care efforts, particularly in relation to outcomes measurement.
Conclusion: A Transformative Phase for Health IT
As the second Trump administration unfolds amidst shifting policies and personnel, the future of health IT hangs in the balance. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. potentially at the helm of HHS, it’s clear that significant changes are forthcoming. Stakeholders in the health IT sector must remain vigilant and adaptable to navigate the evolving landscape for both opportunities and challenges ahead. The conversations surrounding AI, chronic disease management, and rural care are just the beginning of a transformative phase for healthcare in the United States.