Security Recommendations
McGraw says a priority for Blumenthal’s successor must be to carry out all the privacy and security proposals of the Health IT Policy Committee, which is reviewing the tiger team’s recommendations. Those recommendations primarily apply to health information exchange.
Security Is a Balancing Act
When it comes to addressing security issues, Blumenthal’s successor will have to perform a balancing act, says Christian, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s 2010 CIO of the Year.
Broader Security Guidance
AHIMA’s Rode is hopeful that now that Blumenthal and his team have successfully launched the HITECH EHR incentive program on a tight timeline, his successor can tackle broader privacy and security projects.
A Security Champion Needed
Dixie Baker, who serves on several committees that advised Blumenthal on privacy, security and other issues, says the new head of ONC needs to “continue to champion policies and technologies that adhere to fair information practices for consumers and that protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, the integrity of decision-critical data and the availability of information and services essential to the delivery of safe, high-quality care.”