The federal government is intensifying efforts to secure healthcare data by mandating cybersecurity performance goals, especially for small and underserved providers, according to Greg Garcia, executive director of the Health Sector Coordinating Council Cybersecurity Working Group. The Biden administration plans to integrate these goals into the HIPAA Security Rule to establish minimum accountability standards. Garcia emphasized the critical role of technology and service providers in maintaining the healthcare ecosystem's security. He also highlighted Congress's dual role in policy setting and funding, and discussed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) roles in managing sector-specific risks. HSCC aims to stabilize healthcare cybersecurity by 2029 with its strategic five-year plan.

Government Steps Up Efforts to Protect Healthcare Data HealthInfoSec

Hospitals are increasingly adopting AI technologies to manage clinical data and reduce administrative tasks amid cost pressures, with 79% either using or planning to use AI, according to a Q-Centrix survey. However, integrating AI safely and effectively is complex, requiring precision, technology, and human intervention. Risks are inherent, with potential large-scale impacts if not managed carefully. Besides cost reduction, hospitals are also exploring growth by leveraging clinical data for research, which can create new revenue streams. Three-quarters of hospitals plan to share de-identified data for research, though patient enrollment for clinical trials remains a challenge.

Big data creates 'entirely new revenue streams' for health systems Becker's Hospital Review

The article discusses the cautious yet promising integration of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, in healthcare, emphasizing the potential of AI to revolutionize medical research, clinical documentation, and operational workflows. Dr. Ronald Razmi highlights the need for real-world validation and addressing technical, business, and clinical barriers to ensure successful AI adoption. Despite advancements in natural language processing and machine learning, widespread uptake is limited by issues like data reliability, existing workflows, and reimbursement. The article underscores the importance of rigorous performance validation and cross-functional expertise for meaningful AI implementation in healthcare.

What genAI and a renewed interest in NLP mean for healthcare Healthcare IT News

CIOs face the dual challenge of adopting new technologies while managing existing technical debt, which includes outdated applications, bloated code, and aging hardware. A recent CIO Sentiment Survey by IDC reveals that almost 40% of CIOs anticipate overspending on digital infrastructure due to excessive technical debt. Despite this, priorities like AI and cybersecurity often overshadow efforts to eliminate tech debt. Experts suggest framing tech debt management within IT modernization and digital transformation initiatives to win executive support. Addressing older systems is also crucial for cybersecurity and overall business efficiency. CIOs should create a balanced, long-term plan for tech debt reduction, demonstrating both immediate and future ROI to company leadership.

Aware of what tech debt costs them, CIOs still can’t make it an IT priority cio.com