[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]
BILLING CODE 4165-15-P