VETERAN OFFICIAL ASSUMES LEADERSHIP ROLE
Steve Posnack, a seasoned health technology official with nearly two decades of experience, has been appointed as the acting assistant secretary of technology policy at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This strategic appointment places Posnack at the forefront of the nation’s health IT initiatives during a critical transition period.
The appointment follows the departure of Micky Tripathi, who served as assistant secretary of technology policy under the Biden administration. In addition to his new role, Posnack will simultaneously serve as the acting national coordinator of health information technology (ONC).
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN HEALTH IT
Posnack brings an unparalleled depth of experience to the position, having served under eight National Coordinators of Health IT since the role’s establishment by President George Bush in 2004. His career trajectory at ONC has been marked by progressive leadership responsibilities:
Starting as a policy analyst, Posnack advanced through several key positions including director of the federal policy division and director of the office of standards and technology. Most recently, he held the position of deputy national coordinator of health IT, where he demonstrated his comprehensive understanding of the complex health information technology landscape.
STRONG ENDORSEMENTS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS
Don Rucker, who served as the national coordinator of health IT during the first Trump administration, expressed strong support for Posnack’s appointment. Having previously promoted Posnack to the deputy national coordinator position, Rucker highlighted Posnack’s exceptional knowledge of informatics and policy.
“I think he will do a very pro-public job as acting national coordinator as the Trump administration puts its political appointees in place to manage digital interoperability,” Rucker stated.
RECOGNIZED FOR TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND COLLABORATION
Tom Leary, senior vice president and head of government relations at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), emphasized Posnack’s value as a source of continuity for the office. He described Posnack as “community-oriented,” “collegial,” and a recognized leader both domestically and internationally in information sharing initiatives.
“Because he’s risen through the ranks to the number two position, he understands both U.S.-based, local, state, territorial, tribal [and] national expectations,” Leary noted. “There are very few people that understand the technical side and what’s happening in different communities, different constituencies.”
ANTICIPATED POLICY DIRECTIONS UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP
The healthcare IT sector is closely monitoring potential policy directions under the Trump administration. Industry experts anticipate the continuation of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which connects health information networks across the country.
“The first Trump administration was very active on defining what TEFCA would be like, and I think the Biden team built on that,” Leary observed. While expressing optimism about continued progress, he acknowledged the possibility of changes to the current trajectory.
FUTURE FOCUS ON CYBERSECURITY AND AI FRAMEWORKS
Looking ahead to the next four years, industry leaders hope that ASTP and ONC will prioritize frameworks for healthcare cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Both areas represent critical domains where the European Union has made significant strides in standards creation, raising concerns about U.S. competitiveness.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy’s recent request for information on AI, which will inform the administration’s new AI Action Plan, presents an opportunity for healthcare policy input. HIMSS is actively participating in this process by submitting policy suggestions specifically focused on healthcare applications.
“The Trump Administration is committed to ensuring the United States is the undeniable leader in AI technology. This AI Action Plan is the first step in securing and advancing American AI dominance,” stated Lynne Parker, Principal Deputy Director of the OSTP, underscoring the administration’s focus on maintaining technological leadership.
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