People

VistA: Ready for its close-up?

VistA, the Veterans Affairs Department's electronic health record software, might be the apex of what digital health care has to offer, but it also has problems that have prevented more widespread use.

People

OPM reorganizes into five divisions for better efficiency

The Office of Personnel Management made changed its organizational structure by separating its compliance unit from the unit that handles employees' requests for advice with policies, according to a human resources expert.

Modernization

Microsoft launches tech policy Web site

Microsoft today announced that it has launched a new Web site to engage the public in discussion about major technology policy issues including privacy, security, cloud computing and intellectual property rights.

Cybersecurity

Four U.S. agencies deficient in controlling stimulus reporting errors, auditors say

Inspectors general have identified shortcomings in the monitoring of mistakes and omissions in Recovery Act reporting at four federal agencies.

Digital Government

HHS wants contractor to test privacy of 'anonymous' data

One of the important issues in the health IT discussion is whether patient medical data can be kept private and anonymous, and now the HHS is looking for a contractor to research that question.

People

GSA sponsors online dialogue for feedback about USA.gov

The General Services Administration has set up an online dialogue to collect comments from the public on improving the USA.gov Web site.

People

Proposed rules set stage for e-health records incentives

The Health and Human Services Department has made available its long-awaited regulations for certification and meaningful use of electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Digital Government

NTIA three months behind on broadband grant distribution, GAO says

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is behind schedule in awarding the first round of broadband grants, according to the General Accountability Office.

Digital Government

HHS pumps $60M into research on health IT adoption

HHS officials today announced a new program with $60 million for research on overcoming the barriers to adoption of electronic health records.

People

Report: Leeds designated GSA's acting chief

Federal News Radio's Chris Dorobek is reporting today that Stephen Leeds has been designated acting administrator for the General Services Administration.

Cybersecurity

DHS setting new deadlines for Real ID

The Homeland Security Department has extended the Dec. 31 deadline for states to comply with Real ID drivers license requirements and is setting new deadlines with the states.

Cybersecurity

DHS biosurveillance center not getting enough data, GAO says

The DHS National Biosurveillance Integration Center is relying on Internet data at the moment because it has not been able to establish partnerships with federal agencies to get federal data, the GAO said in a new report.

People

D.C. snow day could be telework learning experience

The unexpected closure of federal offices in Washington D.C. today could be a day for learning the ins and outs of successful teleworking, suggests the director of a teleworking group.

People

OMB claims $19B in contractor savings

Twenty-four federal agencies have identified $19 billion in savings on contracts for fiscal 2010—which puts the White House on track to meet a goal of $40 billion in savings by fiscal 2011, according to the Office of Management Budget.

People

Medical claims database could aid research on best treatments

The Health and Human Services Department announced plans to use economic stimulus law funding to create a new database of medical claims for all payors nationwide.

Cybersecurity

DHS lacks strategic plan for managing integration, GAO says

While the Homeland Security secretary talks about DHS unification, GAO finds gaps in plans to achieve departmental IT integration.

Digital Government

VA's VistA system is world-class but hard to maintain, says IAC's Meagher

The Industry Advisory Council is examining the Veterans Affairs Department's VistA electronic medical record system and wants to accentuate the system's good points while upgrading its outdated software.

People

NHIN needs a better provider directory, workgroup says

The next big step for the Nationwide Health Information Network is beefing up its provider directory, but that could be difficult, members of a workgroup said today.

Modernization

Recovery.gov site has new page to fix problems

The board in charge of tracking economic stimulus law spending has instituted new logic checks and policies to fix errors.

Digital Government

HHS beefs up health IT coordinator's office

The Health and Human Services Department's Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology will double in size to prepare for regulations.