Top News
Medical Device Software Cybersecurity Alert
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert for medical device users and manufacturers about a cybersecurity vulnerability for the Axeda agent and Axeda Desktop Server. The Axeda agent and desktop server are web-based technologies that allow one or more people to securely view and operate the same remote desktop, through the internet. All versions of Axeda agent and Axeda Desktop Server are affected. This has the potential to interfere with device operation and impede remote access functionality.
Administration
ONC Annual Meeting
ONC recently opened registration and released the agenda for the 2022 ONC Annual Meeting Spring Sessions, April 13-14. Learn more and register.
2022 Health Information Technology Initiatives and Implementation
Micky Tripathi, National Coordinator for Health IT, recently authored an article in Health Affairs discussing key provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act that will be implemented this year.
ONC Releases Quick Stat Tool
The ONC has released a Quick Stat tool to provide a summary of information blocking claims submitted since April 5, 2021, (applicability date of implementation blocking regulations). View the tool.
ONC Released Five New Information Blocking FAQs
ONC recently issued five new Information Blocking (IB) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) covering topics under general IB, interference, and preventing harm. View the FAQs.
Legislation & Politics
Omnibus Spending Bill Approved by Congress
Congress approved a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill on March 10. Included is $108.3 billion for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with $45 billion (a $2.25 billion increase) for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $3.3 billion for the Food and Drug Administration, and $8.5 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The omnibus measure also provides $1 billion to establish the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). As of this writing, the bill awaits the President’s signature.
Legislation Introduced to Establish ARPA-H
Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Richard Burr (R-NC), introduced legislation to establish ARPA-H, to be housed within the NIH. Learn more.
Around the Web
- Alternative Payment Models Do Not Increase Interoperability, HealthLeaders Media
- Concerns over VA electronic health records mount after another system problem, Military Times
- TEFCA Interoperability Framework to Enhance Health Data Exchange, Security, EHR Intelligence
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.