A leaked draft budget from the Trump administration contains a proposal that could significantly impact the health tech landscape. The administration is suggesting the creation of a new office of the chief technology officer within the federal health department. This new office would consolidate several existing entities, including the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP), the department’s health IT regulator, and an ‘Office of Chief Information.’
Proposal Details
The proposed budget for ASTP under this new structure would be $9 million, a significant reduction from the $66 million appropriated in the 2023 budget. While this funding document is preliminary and has historically been ignored by Congress, it has sparked speculation about potential changes to ASTP.
Industry Reaction
Health tech watchers are divided on the proposal, with some viewing it as a positive development and others expressing concern. The potential restructuring has raised questions about the future of health IT regulation and technology policy within the department.
Context and Implications
It’s worth noting that while Congress has typically disregarded such preliminary budget documents in the past, the proposal may indicate the administration’s priorities regarding health technology. The potential shakeup at ASTP has been rumored for some time, and this leaked document has added fuel to those speculations.
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