White House Data Innovation Guideposts Seek to Address Social Factors Impacting Healthcare Access

The White House has released guidelines aimed at fostering data innovation to promote equality in the health care administration initiated by federal agencies. 

According to GovCIO, the guideposts seek data standards that better present the social and economic environment impacting people’s health care access and the types of services needed. Improving the alignment of community infrastructure investments and better resources and data coordination are also among the goals of the new health care playbook, GovCIO Media and Research reported.

The White House framework was drafted by the Domestic Policy Council and the Office of Science and Technology Policy and covers initiatives of federal agencies, including the departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs. 

The three guideposts to focus on include expanded data gathering and sharing. In addition, the playbook directs the agencies to support funding flexibility to address social needs, as well as support community-based health care organizations.

Also under the playbook, the Office of Management and Budget will lead a new data working group to help improve interoperability in the health and social care sectors.