[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 27, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76463-76465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-7800]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Resources and Services Administration Statement of
Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority
This notice amends Part R of the Statement of Organization,
Functions and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration
(HRSA) (60 FR
[[Page 76464]]
56605, as amended November 6, 1995; as last amended at 70 FR 61293--
61294). The notice reflects the establishment of the Office of Health
Information Technology (RT), and the creation of the following
components: Division of Health Information Technology Policy (RT1), the
Division of Health Information Technology State and Community
Assistance (RT3), and deletes the Office for the Advancement of
Telehealth (RV9) in the HIV/AIDS Bureau and creates the Office for the
Advancement of Telehealth (RT2) in the Office of Health Information
Technology.
Chapter RT--Office of the Associate Administrator
Section RT--00, Mission
To promote the adoption and effective use of health information
technology in the safety net community.
Section RT--10, Organization
The Office of Health Information Technology (OHIT) is headed by the
Associate Administrator who reports directly to the Administrator,
Health Resources and Services Administration, The OHIT includes the
following components:
(1) Immediate Office of the Associate Administrator (RT);
(2) Division of Health Information Technology Policy (RT1);
(3) Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (RT2); and
(4) Division of Health Information Technology State and Community
Assistance (RT3).
Section RT--20, Functions
Office of the Associate Administrator (RT)
Provides leadership to HRSA's grantees for the development and
nationwide implementation of health information technology
infrastructure to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of health
care and the ability of consumers to manage their care. Serves as the
focal point for HRSA on the development, application, and use of health
information technology; and as a catalyst for the wider adoption of
advanced technologies in the provision of health care services and
education. In conjunction with the Office of the National Health
Information Technology Coordinator, ensures that HRSA's health
information technology policy and programs are coordinated with those
of other relevant executive branch agencies. Promotes and implements
health care information technology standards for the medically
underserved, ensuring that key issues affecting the public and private
adoption of health information technology are addressed, including
privacy and security issues. Specific functional responsibilities
include: (1) Develops a nationwide health information technology and
telehealth strategy for HRSA that focuses on the health care safety net
and the needs of the uninsured, underserved, and special needs
populations; (2) Develops HRSA's Health Information Technology (HIT)
and telehealth policy, including leadership for all of HRSA's HIT
projects; (3) Ensures successful dissemination of appropriate
information technology advances, such as electronic medical records
systems or provider networks, in the community health centers and other
HRSA programs; (4) Works collaboratively with foundations, national
organizations, private sector providers, as well as Departmental
agencies and other Federal departments in order to promote the adoption
of health information technology by HRSA's grantees; (5) Ensures the
health information technology policy and programs of HRSA are
coordinated with those of other HHS components; (6) Serves as the
Administrator's principal advisor on the impact of health information
technology initiatives in the community, especially for the uninsured,
underserved, and special needs populations; and (7) Coordinates
outreach and consultation with public and private parties of interest
(within the extent of the law), including consumers, providers, payers,
and administrators focusing on the needs of the uninsured, underserved,
and special needs populations.
Division of Health Information Technology Policy (RT1)
Serves as the focal point for developing policy to promote the
coordination and advancement of health information technology to HRSA's
programs, including user networks, telemedicine and the use of
electronic medical record systems. Specific responsibilities include:
(1) Develops a nationwide health information technology and telehealth
strategy for HRSA that focuses on the health care safety net and the
needs of the uninsured, underserved, and special needs populations; (2)
Develops HRSA's Health Information Technology (HIT) and telehealth
policy; (3) Ensures successful dissemination of appropriate information
technology advances, such as electronic medical records systems or
provider networks, to HRSA programs; (4) Works collaboratively with
States, foundations, national organizations, private sector providers,
as well as Departmental agencies and other Federal departments in order
to promote the adoption of health information technology by HRSA's
grantees; (5) Ensures the health information technology policy and
programs of HRSA are coordinated with those of other HHS components;
(6) Assesses the impact of health information technology initiatives in
the community, especially for the uninsured, underserved, and special
needs populations; (7) Coordinates outreach and consultation with
public and private parties of interest (within the extent of the law),
including consumers, providers, payers, and administrators focusing on
the needs of the uninsured, underserved, and special needs populations;
and (8) Develops and translates policy to promote the coordination and
advancement of health information technology to HRSA's programs.
Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (RT2)
Serves as the operational focal point for coordinating and
advancing the use of telehealth technologies across all of HRSA's
programs including, but not limited to, the provision of healthcare at
a distance (telemedicine); distance-based leaning to improve the
knowledge of agency grantees, and others; and improved information
dissemination to both consumers and providers about the latest
developments in telemedicine. The Office for the Advancement of
Telehealth carries out the following functions, specifically: (1)
Develops and coordinates telehealth network and telehealth resource
centers grant programs; (2) Provides professional assistance and
support in developing telehealth initiatives; (3) Administers grant
programs to promulgate and evaluate the use of appropriate telehealth
technologies among HRSA grantees and others; (4) Disseminates the
latest information and research findings related to the use of
telehealth technologies in agency programs and underserved areas,
including findings on ``best practices;'' and (5) Provides guidance on
telehealth policy through the Associate Administrator for Health
Information Technology to the Office of the National Health Information
Technology Coordinator and the other components of the Department, with
other Federal and State agencies, and with the private sector to
promote and overcome barriers to cost-effective telehealth programs.
[[Page 76465]]
Division of Health Information Technology State and Community
Assistance (RT3)
Serves as the operational focal point for coordinating and
advancing the adoption of health information technology across all of
HRSA's programs, including, but not limited to, user networks, clinical
management systems, and the use of electronic medical record systems.
Ensures information dissemination to HRSA grantees and other consumers
and providers about the latest developments in health care information
technology, and the impact of health information technology on other
activities designed to improve the health status of the Nation. The
Division of Health Information Technology State and Community
Assistance carries out the following functions: (1) Develops and
coordinates health information technology (HIT) programs and policies;
(2) Provides professional assistance and support in developing HIT
initiatives among HRSA grantees; (3) Administers grant programs to
promote and evaluate the use of appropriate HIT among grantees and
others; (4) Advises HRSA grantees on strategies to maximize the
potential of new and existing HIT technologies for meeting quality and
technical assistance objectives; (5) Disseminates the latest
information and research findings related to the use of HIT
technologies in the agency programs and underserved areas, including
findings on ``best practices;'' and (6) Provides guidance on HIT policy
for safety net providers through the Associate Administrator for Health
Information Technology to the Office of the National Health Information
Technology Coordinator and the other components of the Department, with
other Federal and State agencies and with the private sector to promote
and overcome barriers to effective HIT programs.
Section RT--30, Delegations of Authority
All delegations and redelegations of authorities to officers and
employees of HRSA that were in effect immediately prior to the
effective date of this action will be continued in effect in them or
their successors, pending further redelegation, provided they are
consistent with this action.
This document is effective upon date of signature.
Dated: December 14, 2005.
Elizabeth M. Duke,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E5-7800 Filed 12-23-05; 8:45 am]
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