The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) advances the adoption and use of health information technology in the United States. As part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ONC is responsible for coordinating nationwide efforts to implement advanced health IT capabilities and facilitate the electronic exchange of health information.
History and mandate
According to HealthIT, “The Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is at the forefront of the administration’s health IT efforts and is a resource to the entire health system to support the adoption of health information technology and the promotion of nationwide, standards-based health information exchange to improve health care. ASTP is organizationally located within the Office of the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).”
The position of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology was established in 2004 through an Executive Order, and its legislative mandate was solidified in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009. Since then, ONC has been at the forefront of the administration's efforts to improve healthcare through technology.
Mission and Objectives
The primary mission of ONC is to support the adoption of health IT and promote nationwide, standards-based health information exchange to enhance the delivery of healthcare services. To achieve this mission, ONC focuses on two strategic objectives:
Advancing health IT capabilities
ONC promotes the development and use of health IT capabilities. This includes supporting the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs), fostering innovation in health IT, and promoting interoperability, which allows different systems to exchange health information seamlessly. By facilitating the adoption of health IT, ONC aims to improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery.
Establishing expectations for data sharing
Another key objective of ONC is to establish expectations for data sharing. This involves promoting health information exchange standards and ensuring healthcare providers can securely exchange patient information across different platforms and systems. By enabling effective data sharing, ONC aims to enhance care coordination, reduce medical errors, and empower patients to take a more active role in managing their health.
Related: The integration of EHR and PHR
Key functions and initiatives
To fulfill its mission and objectives, ONC undertakes various functions and initiatives. These include:
Setting standards and certification
ONC sets standards for health IT systems and certifies EHRs and other health IT products. By establishing standards, ONC ensures that different systems can communicate and share information effectively. Certification helps healthcare providers and organizations identify and adopt reliable, interoperable health IT solutions.
Promoting interoperability
The ONC works to establish policies, guidelines, and technical frameworks that promote the seamless exchange of health information between different healthcare settings. By fostering interoperability, ONC enables healthcare providers to access patient information, leading to better-informed clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes.
Supporting research and development
ONC supports research and development in the field of health IT. This includes funding research projects, collaborating with academic institutions and industry partners, and promoting innovation in health IT solutions. By investing in research and development, ONC drives advancements in health IT capabilities and encourages the adoption of emerging technologies that can transform healthcare delivery.
Privacy and security
Protecting the privacy and security of health information is a top priority for ONC. The office works to establish policies and regulations that safeguard patient data and ensure that health IT systems meet stringent privacy and security standards. By promoting the adoption of secure health IT practices, ONC helps build trust among patients and healthcare providers in using technology for healthcare.
Promoting patient engagement
The ONC develops initiatives and resources to promote patient access to their health information, enable patients to communicate securely with their healthcare providers, and support patient-centered care. ONC aims to enhance care coordination and promote shared decision-making by empowering patients to actively participate in their healthcare.
Health IT implementation and adoption
ONC provides guidance and support to healthcare providers, organizations, and stakeholders in implementing and adopting health IT solutions. This includes providing technical assistance, resources, and tools to help healthcare organizations navigate the complex landscape of health IT implementation. By offering practical support, ONC facilitates the successful integration of health IT into healthcare workflows.
FAQs
How does the ONC support healthcare providers?
The ONC provides resources, tools, and guidelines to help healthcare providers adopt and implement electronic health record (EHR) systems, improving care coordination and patient outcomes.
What role does the ONC play in health information exchange?
The ONC works to establish standards for health information exchange, ensuring that healthcare providers can securely share patient data across different systems while maintaining privacy and security.
How does the ONC address patient privacy and data security?
The ONC develops policies and guidelines to enhance the security and privacy of health information, ensuring that healthcare IT systems comply with regulations like HIPAA to protect patient data.
How does the ONC impact health IT innovation?
The ONC promotes innovation in health IT by supporting new technologies, encouraging interoperability, and advancing initiatives like the Trusted Exchange Framework to improve the seamless sharing of health information across systems.
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
Farah Amod
