Top News
Now Available: eCQM Annual Update Pre-Publication Document
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQM) Annual Update Pre-Publication Document, which describes changes in the standards and code system versions used in the updated eCQMs for potential use in CMS quality reporting programs for the 2023 reporting/performance period. This document is designed to help EHR developers, clinicians, and hospitals prepare for the 2023 reporting/performance period through pre-release of expected standards and code system versions.
Administration
Changes in White House OSTP Leadership
Former NIH Director Francis Collins, MD, PhD, will serve on an interim basis as Science Advisor to President Biden and co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Alondra Nelson, PhD, Deputy Director for Science and Society, Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), will perform the duties of OSTP director, until permanent leadership is nominated and confirmed. Learn more here.
Security Memorandum on U.S. Government-Supported R&D
The White House OSTP issued a guidance document to federal departments and agencies regarding implementation of National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 on National Security Strategy for U.S. Government-Supported Research and Development. View the guidance.
$55 Million in Grant Awards for Virtual Health Care Access
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the award of $55 million to increase health care access through Community Health Centers via mechanisms such as telehealth, remote patient monitoring and health information technology platforms. Click here for more information.
AHRQ Welcomes New Director
Robert “Bob” Otto Valdez, PhD, MHSA, an expert in health services research, the U.S. healthcare system, and health policy analysis, has been named as director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
AHRQ Issues RFI on Strategic Framework for Improving Healthcare Delivery
AHRQ recently issued a request for information on its proposed strategic framework for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund investments.
Cerner Hosts FDA, NIH and Clients to Discuss Democratized Research and Equitable Care
Sponsored Content
Cerner recently hosted a panel featuring the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NIH, University of Missouri School of Medicine and Billings Clinic for a conversation about how real-world evidence sourced from clinical data can encourage equity and therapeutics that are effective for all patients. A free recording of the session can be watched here.
Legislation & Politics
Califf Confirmed to FDA
Robert Califf, MD, was confirmed by the Senate to serve as Commissioner of the FDA. Califf was sworn into office on February 17. The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded until March 11. President Biden signed the measure into law on February 18.
Around the Web
- American College of Cardiology announces new industry framework for developing cardiovascular solutions, Cardiovascular Business
- Don't Dam The Telehealth Flood, Forbes
- Teladoc telehealth services roll out on Amazon's Alexa, (subscription) Modern Healthcare
AMIA’s Washington Download is your source for health informatics policy news and information from around the Beltway, covering action from the Hill, the Administration and important AMIA collaborators.