Advocacy - Lab Advocate
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a significant internal reorganization as part of the new administration’s efforts to overhaul the nation’s health infrastructure. The effort, set to roll out in phases over the coming months, introduces structural changes that could have long-term implications for clinical laboratories.
Among the notable developments is the establishment of a new Office of Health Technology and Innovation, which will focus on advancing digital health tools, laboratory data systems, and the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. This move reflects a broader federal emphasis on overhauling how the nation’s health data infrastructure operates —an area where clinical laboratories play a critical role.
The reorganization also includes changes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), which oversees a range of public health initiatives. HHS states that the new structure is intended to better align programs related to disease prevention, minority health, and women’s health.
These structural changes are likely to influence interagency collaboration, grant distribution, and regulatory oversight. As such, the association is closely monitoring how the reorganization may impact ongoing policy initiatives and is attentive to any shifts that may affect laboratory medicine, health IT, reimbursement policy, and patients’ access to quality healthcare.
ADLM will continue to provide updates as additional details become available and will continue to advocate to ensure that member priorities are represented in stakeholder discussions throughout this transition.