Washington, D.C. – The Department of Health and Human Services has opened a nationwide consultation on bringing advanced technology into American hospitals and clinics, marking one of the federal government’s most ambitious pushes to modernize healthcare delivery.
Released Thursday, the Request for Information invites doctors, tech companies, insurers, and patient advocates to share ideas on reducing medical bills while raising care standards through intelligent software systems.
“This technology represents a tremendous opportunity for improving American healthcare,” said Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill. “We need to hear from everyone involved in patient care about what works and what doesn’t.”
Three Key Focus Areas
HHS is asking for recommendations on streamlining approval processes for medical software, redesigning payment models to reward efficiency, and directing research dollars toward practical clinical applications. The consultation runs through mid-January 2026.
The department particularly wants input on preparing for long-term health challenges like dementia and age-related frailty, conditions expected to surge as the population ages.
Dr. Thomas Keane, who oversees health technology policy, stressed that patient data protection remains paramount. “We’re building systems that give patients real control over their information while enabling the data sharing these tools need to function properly,” he explained.
Beyond Administrative Tasks
While many hospitals already use automated scheduling and billing systems, this initiative targets clinical decision-making itself. The department envisions technology assisting with diagnoses, treatment planning, and monitoring high-risk patients.
HHS officials believe these tools could substantially lower costs for both families and government programs like Medicare. However, experts warn success depends on seamless integration into doctor workflows and ensuring rural communities aren’t left behind.
The announcement builds on HHS’s recently published internal modernization strategy, which detailed plans for upgrading operations across the CDC, FDA, and other major health agencies.
How to Participate
The full consultation document is available at federalregister.gov, where stakeholders can submit detailed responses. The department emphasized it wants candid feedback about potential obstacles alongside success stories.
This represents the latest step in the Trump administration’s broader technology agenda, connecting healthcare reform with efforts to maintain American competitiveness in emerging tech sectors.
