The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is seeking nominations for members to serve on the Health IT Policy and Standards committees, according to a notice published in the Federal Register, Health Data Management reports (Goedert, Health Data Management, 5/31).
About the Committees
The Health IT Policy Committee makes recommendations to the National Coordinator for Health IT about the development of a nationwide framework to facilitate the use and exchange of health data.
The Health IT Standards Committee advises the National Coordinator on standards, implementation specifications and certification criteria related to the use and exchange of health data (Mosquera, Government Health IT, 5/31).
Seeking Nominations
ONC is accepting nominations for one of the three Health IT Policy Committee members appointed by the HHS Secretary. In addition, current members of the Health IT Policy and Standards committees whose three-year terms are expiring can apply for another consecutive term (Federal Register notice, 5/24).
ONC is seeking nominees who are knowledgeable about health IT privacy and security issues and who have experience promoting the meaningful use program.
Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments.
The Federal Register notice stated that committee members will be chosen in a way that achieves "a balanced representation of viewpoints, areas of experience, subject matter expertise, and representation of the health care system" (Government Health IT, 5/31).
Nominations are due June 11 (Health Data Management, 5/31).