The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) has recently appointed a new leader to spearhead the federal government’s health IT efforts. Thomas Keane, a software engineer and interventional radiologist, assumed the role of national coordinator on Monday. Keane brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously worked at the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) and served as a senior advisor to the deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
One of Keane’s notable achievements was his role as the administrator of the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund, which provided financial assistance to healthcare providers to cover pandemic-related expenses and lost revenue. He also played a key role in leading the development of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s National Nursing Home COVID Action Network, which focused on training nursing homes in infection prevention and safety protocols.
The ASTP, previously known as the ONC, underwent a reorganization last summer to broaden its scope to include oversight of technology, data, and artificial intelligence policy. Keane’s appointment comes at a critical time for the HHS, as the department faces significant budget cuts and job reductions under the Trump administration.
Looking ahead, the HHS has proposed establishing a Chief Technology Officer position with a budget of $130 million to oversee cybersecurity and health IT initiatives, including the work of the ASTP. These changes underscore the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare technology and data security in the face of evolving challenges.
As we welcome Thomas Keane into his new role as national coordinator, we anticipate continued innovation and progress in the field of health IT. His leadership and expertise will be instrumental in guiding the federal government’s efforts to enhance healthcare technology and improve patient outcomes. Stay tuned for updates on the latest developments in health IT under Keane’s leadership.
