The PAHPRA required the HHS secretary to establish an electronic nationwide public health situational awareness network to help manage crisis events, like a widespread disease outbreak or health problems resulting from weather-related events. However, in a September report to Congress, the GAO alleged HHS’ plan was inadequate.
Specifically, the HHS plan did not detail steps the agency would take to implement the public health tool. It also did not define data elements and standards, a crucial aspect of information sharing. HHS did not describe cost and resource estimates, and although it had established a committee of policy and planning experts, the agency had not assigned responsibilities to the members.
Under federal guidance, HHS was also tasked with designating a team to oversee IT resources for the project, but no team exists and the agency’s CIO was not involved in any planning efforts.
“GAO is recommending that HHS complete a plan that includes all actions for establishing the network, develop a project management plan that identifies measurable steps for completing the actions and conduct IT management processes according to CIO guidance,” the report reads.
HHS did not issue comments on the report or its recommendations.
Click here to read the full GAO report.
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