Modernization

HHS makes software available for health IT network

The department said it wants to encourage health organizations to connect to the nationwide health information network by using the open-source software.

People

GAO appoints HIT committee members

The Government Accountability Office has named 13 members to the Health Information Technology Policy Committee, an advisory body established by the economic stimulus law.

People

GAO names Health IT panel members

The HHS secretary and congressional leadership would name seven more members to a panel that will advise on policy for a nationwide health IT infrastructure.

People

Federal 100 winner: Vish Sankaran

Sankaran helped lay the foundation for the transformation of the U.S. health care system.

People

Obama names national health IT coordinator

Physician David Blumenthal will lead HHS efforts to direct spending of $19.5 billion in economic stimulus funds for health IT to advance implementation of the nationwide health information infrastructure.

Modernization

OMB: Stimulus grant applications may overwhelm portal

Grants.gov is already struggling to keep up with the increase in demand, and agencies must find other methods for accepting economic recovery grant applications and submit plans to OMB by March 13.

Modernization

Agencies have problems collecting Recovery.gov data

Agencies must post information that accounts for how they have used the funds on federal programs or distributed as grants to states and local governments.

People

Obama names Sebelius as HHS secretary

Kansas governor would oversee health information technology as part of reforming health care.

Digital Government

Law requires health data breach notifications

The economic stimulus law requires companies to notify people whose unsecured medical data has been breached.

Modernization

IT, health care would get more under budget

The Health and Human Services Department would get money to increase techology, research and program integrity under the HHS $76.8 billion request.

Modernization

National network to speed disability benefits

The Social Security Administration will soon begin using the Nationwide Health Information Network to reduce the time needed to determine eligibility for disability benefits.

People

Final stimulus bill keeps billions for IT

Major IT programs survived and thrived in the final version of the stimulus bill set to go before the House and Senate later today.

Modernization

Senate to vote on Stimulus cut for IT

Sens. Nelson and Collins are promoting an amendment that would cut $83 billion from the stimulus package, including reductions in major IT items.

People

GAO adds drug safety programs to high-risk list

The FDA program's management weaknesses are aggravated by soaring demand, older computer systems and a lack of clear decision-making processes, auditors report.

People

Panel releases details on $20B in health IT spending

The House Ways and Means Committee wants to use the proposed funding to encourage doctors and hospitals to adopt health information technology, including electronic health records.

People

Report: Government key to health ID security

The government should play a leading role in protecting consumers from medical identity theft as it expands the use of electronic health records, according to an HHS report.

Cybersecurity

Bush appointees linked with company lobbying, report says

Fifteen former Cabinet-level officials in the Bush administration are now working for companies that lobby their former agencies, according to a report from a government watchdog group.

Digital Government

FDA said to choose speed when buying IT

The agency entered into risky contracts, the HHS IG says.

People

A high-tech answer to health care frare fraud

Data analysis aids in finding abuses of Medicare’s rapid payment system.

Cybersecurity

FEMA looks ahead on emergency warning system

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking for information while it studies how to acquire support services for implementing its new emergency warning system.