The Health Information Technology Research and Development Senior Steering Group (Health IT R&D SSG) coordinates programs, budgets and policy recommendations for Health IT R&D. This includes identifying and integrating requirements, establishing priorities, sharing program information and R&D activities, conducting joint program planning, and developing joint strategies for the Health IT R&D programs conducted by SSG agency members. Health IT R&D includes fundamental research, applied R&D, technology development and engineering, demonstrations, testing and evaluation, technology transfer, and education and training.

Scope

The scope of activities for the Health IT R&D SSG includes:

• Improve health care quality, efficiency, equity, and safety through the use of health information technology
• Improve the trustworthiness, privacy and security of Health IT applications and transactions
• Coordination of standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria to enhance the interoperability, functionality, utility, and security of Health IT R&D
• Maintain frequent communication and serve as the liaison among the SSG agencies, academia, and industry to address Health IT R&D needs
• Respond to U.S. national goals for Health IT R&D and Health IT PCAST recommendations

Functions

The SSG has the following functions and activities:

• Facilitate interagency Health IT R&D program planning, including:
  • Provide a forum for agencies to exchange program-level information about agency activities in Health IT R&D
  • Recognize agency priorities and identify and develop interagency priorities in Health IT R&D, perform a gap analysis, and promote interagency coordination to address these gaps
  • Identify opportunities for collaboration, coordination, and leveraging among agencies in specific areas of Health IT R&D
• Develop, maintain, and update strategic planning for Health IT on an as needed basis
• Develop recommendations for a Federal Health IT policy, such as recommendations regarding the establishment of Federal Health IT R&D priorities, and the need for specific interagency activities to address those priorities
• Prepare an annual report summarizing the activities of the Health IT R&D SSG
• Coordinate with other NITRD groups, such as Interagency Working Groups (IWGs) and Coordinating Groups (CGs), on issues of mutual interest