[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 153 (Monday, August 10, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47931-47934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19522]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Administration


Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of 
Authority; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs

    Part A of the HHS Organization Manual Office of the Secretary, 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is being amended at 
Chapter AP, ``Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs 
(ASPA),'' as last amended at 70 FR 61621-22, dated Oct. 25, 2005. Over 
the past several years, ASPA has been refining its organizational 
structure to improve its strategic and operational communication 
capacities to more effectively support the mission and strategic 
priorities of the Department. A substantive element of this change has 
been a shift from a purely operational structure focusing on defined 
services to one that builds a whole-of-ASPA approach that draws on all 
communication skills across each of three key portfolios--health care, 
public health, and human services. The proposed organizational 
realignments will, therefore, update and revise ASPA's structure to 
reflect this more functional, strategic operational approach. The 
changes are described below:
    I. Under Part A, Chapter AP, Section AP.00 Mission, delete in its 
entirety and replace with the following:
    AP.00 Mission: The ASPA serves as the Secretary's principal counsel 
on public affairs, leading efforts across the Department to promote 
transparency, accountability and access to critical public health and 
human services information to the American people. The Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs conducts national public affairs 
programs, provides centralized leadership and guidance for public 
affairs activities within HHS' Staff and Operating Divisions and 
regional offices, manages the Department's digital communications and 
administers the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts. The Division 
leads the planning, development and implementation of emergency 
incident communications strategies and activities for the Department. 
The ASPA reports directly to the HHS Secretary.
    II. Under Part A, Chapter AP, Section AP.10 Organization, delete in 
its entirety and replace with the following:
    AP.10 Organization. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Public Affairs, headed by the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs 
(ASPA) who reports to the Secretary, supports public affairs efforts 
for three primary issue areas: Public Health, Human Services, and 
Health Care. ASPA consists of the following organizations:

 The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, 
Agency Chief FOIA Officer
 The Office of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
    --Strategic Planning Division
    --Speechwriting Division
 The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Health
 The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Care
 The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human 
Services
    --Broadcast Services Division
    --Digital Communications Division
 Executive Officer/Deputy Agency Chief FOIA Officer
    --Business Operations Division
    --Administrative Operations Division
    --FOIA/Privacy Act Division

    III. Under Section AP.20 Functions, delete in its entirety, and 
replace with the following:
    A. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (AP)--
Provides executive leadership, policy direction, and management 
strategy for the Department's public affairs programs and activities. 
Counsels and acts for the Secretary and the Department in carrying out 
responsibilities under statutes, Presidential directives, and 
Secretarial orders for informing the general public, specialized 
audiences, HHS employees, and other Federal employees about the 
programs, policies, and services of the Department. Establishes and 
enforces policies and practices which produce an accurate, clear, 
efficient, and consistent flow of information to the general public and 
other audiences about departmental programs and activities. Provides

[[Page 47932]]

advice, counsel and information to the Secretary and other HHS 
policymakers to ensure that public affairs impact is considered in the 
establishment of departmental policies or the conduct of its 
activities. Serves as the principal point of contact with senior White 
House officials regarding communications and press issues. Exercises 
professional leadership and provides functional management of public 
affairs activities throughout the Department to ensure that Secretarial 
priorities are followed, high quality standards are met, and cost-
effective, non-duplicative communications products are developed which 
accurately and effectively inform its audiences. Serves as Secretarial 
surrogate throughout the public and private sector to both represent 
the views of the Administration and the Secretary, and to inform and 
educate various audiences. Ensures coordination among public affairs 
components. Manages public affairs issues and special activities that 
cut across Operating Division lines.
    In addition, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA) 
serves as the HHS Agency Chief FOIA Officer (ACFO), pursuant to 
Executive Order 13392 and the Freedom of Information Act, as amended by 
Public Law 110-175, 121 Stat. 2524, 5 U.S.C. 552(k). In this capacity, 
the ASPA/ACFO is responsible for administering information access and 
privacy protection laws and HHS regulations implementing these laws to 
ensure Department wide consistency in information disclosure, 
confidentiality policies, practices and procedures. Such laws include 
the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act, as well as the open 
meetings provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the 
Government in the Sunshine Act and the disclosure provisions of the 
Ethics in Government Act.
    B. The Office of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Public Affairs (APE)--Responsible for developing effective strategies 
to publicize Departmental policies, goals and accomplishments, 
activities related to the Department's communications services and 
public affairs policy analysis, and management oversight of the 
Strategic Planning Division and the Speechwriting Division. Provides 
advice and assistance on all public affairs matters, in consultation 
with the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs; coordinates with 
ASPA's Deputy Assistant Secretaries for Public Affairs (Public Health, 
Health Care, Human Services) in providing prompt response to media and 
public inquiries, and in helping the Assistant Secretary for Public 
Affairs generate a strategic focus for stories and other information 
products that the Department develops and wishes to highlight. Manages 
or coordinates the conduct of high priority media campaigns and 
information programs in the Department. Acts as liaison to private 
sector organizations, to the Operating and Staff Divisions, to the 
public affairs units in the HHS Operating Divisions and Regions and to 
other Federal agencies, including OMB and the Office of Public Liaison 
at the White House. Initiates, designs and effects outreach programs 
for all organizations, associations and individuals concerned with the 
broad range of policies, programs and issues of the Department. 
Performs special assignments which involve and cut across Department 
programs and activities to achieve broadly defined public affairs 
management and program objectives. Interacts with internal and external 
organizations, groups and individuals to secure and provide information 
concerning matters affecting HHS policy, interests, and initiatives. 
Represents the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs in conveying 
official viewpoints and policy considerations of the Department and the 
Administration.
    B1. Strategic Planning Division (APE1)--Provides strategic, long-
term vision and strong leadership on public health, health care, and 
human services initiatives. Collaborates with and has the authority to 
work across HHS Staff/Operating Divisions and White House Press 
Offices. Leads implementation of strategic plans and coordinates 
earned, digital, and specialty media staff across the Department to 
boost impact, ensuring the right message is delivered to the right 
audience through the right channel. Advises the Secretary and Senior 
Staff on tactics, timing and level of investment in accordance with the 
Department's strategic priorities. Provides proactive consultation and 
advice to HHS Staff/Operating Divisions, including regional staff, 
regarding the dissemination of information on programs, policies, and 
initiatives; while ensuring the wide dissemination of accurate 
materials to the American public. Participates with the Assistant 
Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA), the Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary (PDAS), and other ASPA staff in discussions with staff across 
the Department on cross-cutting issues regarding overall policies, 
planning, issues, concerns and activities and related health care 
programs. Works with all HHS Staff/Operating Divisions to develop a 
long-term outreach strategy, coordinate in-house communications 
efforts, and ensure consistency with plain writing directives. Promotes 
full and open participation in the communications process and develops 
reports and recommendations, ensuring full review and vetting of drafts 
by appropriate staff between and among ASPA's customers and 
stakeholders at all levels. Researches, understands, and translates for 
a lay audience laws, policies, regulations and precedents applicable to 
public health, health care, and human services. Oversees the document 
clearance process and the prioritization of rollouts while taking into 
account internal and external feedback. Coordinates and/or prepares 
briefings, memos, policy calendars and other information material for 
use by the Secretary, HHS, at Secretarial and senior staff briefings, 
the White House, and for congressional and other briefings.
    B2. Speechwriting Division (APE2)--Serves as the principal resource 
with the Department for reviewing and editing written materials 
reflecting the views of the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Chief of 
Staff. Prepares speeches, statements, articles, and related material 
for the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Chief of Staff and other top 
Departmental officials. Researches and prepares Op Ed pieces, features, 
articles, and stories for the media.
    C. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Public Health) 
(APB)--The Public Health team works with agencies such as the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, 
National Institutes for Health, and others on initiatives and 
strategies to promote public health, improve health outcomes, prevent 
disease, respond to outbreaks, and accelerate scientific discovery. Key 
priorities include helping Americans achieve and maintain a healthy 
weight, preventing and reducing tobacco use, supporting the National 
HIV/AIDS strategy, and implementing a modern food safety system. The 
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Public Health)--DAS-PH--
provides advice and assistance on all public affairs matters within 
ASPA's public health portfolio, in consultation with the Assistant 
Secretary for Public Affairs and in coordination with the Principal 
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. In this capacity, the 
DAS-PH: Provides prompt responses to media and public inquiries; and 
generates a strategic focus for stories and other information products 
or outputs that the Department develops and wishes to

[[Page 47933]]

highlight; Conducts an active communication program with the public on 
behalf of the Department through the media and other avenues of 
communication in order to further public understanding of its policies, 
programs and issues; Coordinates press activities with the White House 
Press Office and other government departmental press operations; 
Responds to inquiries from Congress, other arms of the government, 
media and the public that involves the collection of data. In addition, 
the DAS-PH leads the planning, development and implementation of 
emergency incident and risk communications strategies and activities 
for the Department.
    D. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Health Care) 
(APC)--The Health Care team works to advance a 21st century healthcare 
system that delivers high quality, affordable care to all Americans. 
The team works with agencies such as the Agency for Healthcare Research 
and Quality, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information 
Technology, Health Resources and Services Administration, and the 
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to improve access, quality, 
safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the nation's healthcare. The 
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Health Care)--DAS-HC--
provides advice and assistance on all public affairs matters within 
ASPA's healthcare portfolio, in consultation with the Assistant 
Secretary for Public Affairs and in coordination with the Principal 
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. In this capacity, the 
DAS-HC: Provides prompt responses to media and public inquiries; and 
generates a strategic focus for stories and other information products 
or outputs that the Department develops and wishes to highlight; 
Conducts an active communication program with the public on behalf of 
the Department through the media and other avenues of communication in 
order to further public understanding of its policies, programs and 
issues; Coordinates press activities with the White House Press Office 
and other government departmental press operations; Responds to 
inquiries from Congress, other arms of the government, media and the 
public that involves the collection of data. A key initiative in the 
DAS-HC portfolio is to help implement the Affordable Care Act, which is 
providing new coverage options and tools for Americans to make informed 
choices about their health.
    E. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Human Services) 
(APD)--The Human Services team helps Americans of all ages and 
backgrounds live full, productive lives: Kids getting a ``Head Start'' 
through early childhood education, families transitioning out of 
poverty to economic independence, teens and adults recovering from 
mental illness and addiction, and seniors participating in communities 
that value their contributions. These and other human service programs 
are carried out by the Administration for Children and Families, 
Administration for Community Living, Indian Health Service, Office for 
Civil Rights, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs 
(Human Services)--DAS-HS--provides advice and assistance on all public 
affairs matters within ASPA's healthcare portfolio, in consultation 
with the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and in coordination 
with the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. In 
this capacity, the DAS-HS: Provides prompt responses to media and 
public inquiries; and generates a strategic focus for stories and other 
information products or outputs that the Department develops and wishes 
to highlight; Conducts an active communication program with the public 
on behalf of the Department through the media and other avenues of 
communication in order to further public understanding of its policies, 
programs and issues; Coordinates press activities with the White House 
Press Office and other government departmental press operations; 
Responds to inquiries from Congress, other arms of the government, 
media and the public that involves the collection of data. In addition, 
the DAS-HS provides direction and oversight to the Broadcast 
Communications Division (BCD) and the Digital Communications Division 
(DCD).
    E.1 Broadcast Communications Division--BCD (APD1)--Collaborates 
with subject matter experts and key stakeholders to create useful and 
cost effective video products that support Departmental goals. Provides 
a wide range of video production and A/V services. Operates the HHS 
studio and coordinates activities with other HHS studios as required. 
Under the direction of the ASPA, supports key initiatives for the 
Secretary and all HHS Staff Divisions by developing and implementing 
media campaigns and special projects. Acts as liaison to broadcast 
organizations. Supports A/V services in the Humphrey Auditorium and 
Great Hall.
    E.2 Digital Communications Division--DCD (APD2): Leads the 
development and review of HHS Web content, social media, and supporting 
technologies. Recommends and implements digital (including Web) 
information policy, standards, guidance, and tools for the Department. 
Assesses the content and usability of all proposed Department-wide and 
Office of the Secretary (OS)-level Web sites to ensure they are 
consistent with Departmental policies and goals. Manages the daily 
operations of the main HHS/OS public Web site (HHS.gov) and associated 
social media; the Department's priority Web sites and several cross-
federal topic Web sites, such as FoodSafety.gov and Flu.gov, Secretary-
level Web pages; and the HHS intranet. Runs the Department's user 
experience (UE) program, including two usability laboratories; 
responsible for Section 508 (accessibility) compliance across all 
Departmental digital communications platforms, including Web.
    F. Executive Officer/Deputy Agency Chief FOIA Officer (APA)--
Coordinates ASPA's day-to-day operations, overseeing management 
operations and policy, workforce plans and other human resources 
activities, and general administrative support including information 
technology requirements. Oversees the formulation and execution of 
ASPA's annual budgets and financial operating plans. Ensures that ASPA 
effectively integrates its performance metrics and budget processes, in 
order to support informed decision-making related to funding 
constraints and program requirements and outcomes. Supports the 
development and implementation of management strategies, business 
processes, and standard operating procedures that fully support the 
attainment of ASPA program goals and mission critical initiatives.
    ASPA's Executive Officer also serves as the designated Deputy 
Agency Chief FOIA Officer (DACFO) and is delegated authority to execute 
the provisions of EO 13392 and 5 U.S.C. 552 (k), as follows: Monitoring 
FOIA implementation throughout the department and keeping the Secretary 
and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), HHS, and the U.S. Attorney 
General appropriately informed of HHS' performance in implementing 
FOIA; recommending to the Secretary adjustments to departmental 
practices, policies, personnel, and funding necessary to improve HHS 
implementation of FOIA; facilitating public understanding of the 
purposes of the statutory FOIA exemptions; establishing Departmental 
FOIA policies and providing training and technical assistance to the 
department's Operating

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Divisions (OpDivs); concurring in the delegation by an authorized HHS 
OpDiv FOIA Officer of the officer's authority to deny records or 
determine fees; serving as the review authority for appeals from a 
decision to deny a request for records or a refusal to waive fees made 
by the Director, FOIA/Privacy Act Division, ASPA, as well as ensuring 
consultation with OGC and providing review and concurrence on all 
departmental appeal decisions, including those on fees; general 
responsibility for Department-wide implementation and administration of 
the Privacy Act; authority to decide appeals of refusals to amend or 
correct records of the Office of the Secretary (OS); serving as ASPA's 
designated senior level official on the HHS Data Integrity Board; and 
acknowledging receipt of requests from OpDiv and OS Staff Division 
heads and Regional Directors for waivers to the minimum safeguarding 
standards established to secure records maintained in systems of 
records.
    F1. Business Operations Division (APA1)--Directs ASPA budget 
formulation, execution and financial management; incorporating a 
results-oriented, program quality, and cost effectiveness focus into 
assessing and managing ASPA's resource requirements and developing and 
executing integrated performance-based budgets. Oversees and manages 
ASPA contracts and procurements, physical property, and information 
technology initiatives and requirements. Coordinates travel operations 
support, reporting, and auditing. Serves as ASPA's liaison to the 
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR) for 
budget and finance matters and the Office of the Assistant Secretary 
for Administration (ASA) for facilities, property accountability, and 
contract implementation and oversight matters. Additionally serves as 
the ASPA point of contact for departmental UFMS, PRISM, and acquisition 
management initiatives and for budget and performance integration 
inquiries from OMB and Congress.
    F2. Administrative Operations Division (APA2)--Directs ASPA's human 
capital planning, human resources (HR) performance management, and 
other departmental HR policy and program requirements. Serves as ASPA's 
internal consultant and source of expert technical assistance on 
organizational development and human capital management (e.g., staffing 
and workforce analysis, transition and succession planning, awards and 
special honors programs), and as liaison to the Office of the Secretary 
(OS) Office of Human Resources (OHR) on sensitive personnel issues 
(e.g., EEO, labor and management relations, performance and conduct-
based actions). Coordinates with OHR concerning all ASPA recruitment 
and personnel actions and manages professional staff development. 
Administers ASPA's Ethics Program and serves as liaison with OS' Office 
of Security and Strategic Information (OSSI) on behalf of ASPA staff 
regarding personnel security initiatives and requirements.
    F3. FOI/Privacy Acts Division (APA3)--Administers Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act issues and requests, including 
appeals for the Office of the Secretary. Supports and assists the 
execution of the ACFO/DACFO responsibilities to monitor and facilitate 
departmental compliance with public disclosure requirements; establish 
departmental Freedom of Information Act policies; coordinate, monitor, 
and compile reports to Congress; and provide technical assistance to 
the HHS Operating Divisions. Maintains the Department's index of 
materials mandated for public release by FOIA. In concert with Office 
of General Counsel staff, assists in developing regulations, policy 
interpretations, guidelines and procedures, and training programs for 
all Department components, as necessary and appropriate to implement 
FOIA and related legislation, including the Privacy Act, Federal 
Advisory Committee Act and the Government in the Sunshine Act. Provides 
responses to requests made to components of the Office of the Secretary 
pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and determines the 
availability of records and information under the law and HHS 
Regulations. Resolves questions regarding the release of records which 
overlap the FOIA and the Privacy Act. Analyzes and recommends action on 
FOIA and Privacy Act appeals for documents denied by officials in the 
Office of the Secretary.

    Dated: August 3, 2015.
E.J. Holland, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary for Administration.
[FR Doc. 2015-19522 Filed 8-7-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4150-25-P