Acting Assistant Secretary Steve Posnack, MS, MHS
The Department of Health and Human Services not only has its Secretary, but there is even an Acting Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (“ASTP”)/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Steve Posnack, MS, MHS, is the ASTP’s acting Assistant Secretary until the White House advances a political appointee through the Senate.
His selection in the broader context of DOGE and the federal government’s force reduction says a couple of things to me, particularly with Mr. Posnack’s professional career in mind. Mr. Posnack, is, and I say this with respect, a genuine mission-dedicated career bureaucrat. He graduated from college in 2003, earned an MS and graduated from that program in 2005, did a couple of internships, and landed at the ONC – where he has been ever since. He not only understands the certification program, but his fingerprints are everywhere on the actual regulations themselves. He helped write the “meaningful use” regulations, information blocking regulations, has worked on technology standards, and health information exchange.
From the American Recovery Act to the 21st Century Cures Act, this gentleman has been with the federal government for it all when it comes to health IT. The fact that he has not only survived – but thrived, in the DOGE house sends a signal of stability to the industry.
I think that, at least with respect to certification and information blocking, the administration values the ASTP’s work and wants to retain historical knowledge. I imagine if Mr. Posnack does stay, he will either: (1) act as a right hand to the new Assistant Secretary, or (2) help effectuate a genuine transition to the part of HHS that absorbs the ASTP. The administration may view health IT as a means to empower consumers and promote competition – which is a view the first Trump administration and former Assistant Secretary Donald Rucker subscribed to. If I were buying stocks, I’d put (1) at a “buy” and (2) at a “hold.”
I think (2) is more likely if the administration folds the ASTP in CMS. I think (1) is more likely if they do not. I think calling that either way is too early. Either way, if you are a vendor and/or provider who cares about some sort of stability in your technology, I would take this appointment as a win. You can find his bio on HHS’s website below:
eHealth Law Blog 