Portrait of Alicia Morton

Advancing Interoperable Social Determinants of Health Data

Alicia Morton | December 12, 2019

The ability to capture, use, and exchange many aspects of electronic health information has greatly advanced with the increased adoption of health information technology (health IT). Yet the use of data reflecting social determinants of health (SDOH) – the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play – remains much more limited across healthcare. There is a growing recognition across healthcare that by capturing and accessing SDOH data during the course of care,

Read Full Post.
Portrait of Aisha Hasan

3 Global Health IT Takeaways You Need to Know – Reflections from ONC 3rd Interoperability Forum

Aisha Hasan | November 12, 2019

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) engages in several global health IT projects from a United States government perspective. ONC works with global counterparts to share experiences, and ensure alignment between global interoperability efforts and the United States’ approaches to interoperability. This includes working through worldwide partnerships, bi-lateral and multi-lateral engagements, global networks, and memoranda of understanding. Through these engagements, we focus on advancing common health data standards for global interoperability, enhancing individuals’ access to their data,

Read Full Post.
Portrait of Kathryn Marchesini

4 Ways Using the HHS Security Risk Assessment Tool Can Help Your Organization

Kathryn Marchesini | October 30, 2019

As ONC works to advance the development and use of health IT, we know that you play an important and equal role in maintaining the public’s confidence and trust. The privacy and security of health information is always at the forefront of our work and your organization’s business practices. In the spirit of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), we want to highlight the HHS Security Risk Assessment (SRA) Tool, which you can use to assess your organization’s security risks.

Read Full Post.
Portrait of Steven Posnack

A New Leader at the Helm of the ONC Health IT Certification Program

Steven Posnack | October 28, 2019

I’m pleased to announce that Robert Anthony recently transitioned into the role of the director of the Certification & Testing Division in ONC’s Office of Technology, where he will oversee the ONC Health IT Certification Program. Rob previously served as a senior policy advisor in the Office of Clinical Quality and Safety and as senior strategic advisor in the Office of Technology at ONC.

Read Full Post.
Portrait of Elisabeth Myers

New Data Show Nearly One-Third of Hospitals Can Access PDMP Data within their EHR

Elisabeth Myers | October 23, 2019

Combatting the opioid crisis is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the nation. Equipping healthcare providers with easy access to data about their patients’ opioid prescriptions is one strategy to help reduce opioid misuse. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are state-run databases that collect patient-specific prescription information at the point of care, or when a controlled substance is dispensed. PDMPs can be a tool for health care providers to improve prescribing practices,

Read Full Post.