---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 300jj–11"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "300jj–11"
heading: "Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/300jj-11"
units:
  - "Chapter 6A — Public Health Service"
  - "Subchapter XXVIII — Health Information Technology and Quality"
  - "Part A — Promotion of Health Information Technology"
---

# §300jj–11. Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology

- (a) **Establishment—** There is established within the Department of Health and Human [Services](/usc/42/201.md?p=a) an Office of the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) for [Health Information Technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) (referred to in this section as the “Office”). The Office shall be headed by a [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) who shall be appointed by the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) and shall report directly to the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c).
- (b) **Purpose—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall perform the duties under [subsection (c)](#c) in a manner consistent with the development of a nationwide [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) infrastructure that allows for the electronic use and [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) of information and that—
  - (1) ensures that each patient’s [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) is secure and protected, in accordance with applicable law;
  - (2) improves health care quality, reduces medical errors, reduces health disparities, and advances the delivery of patient-centered [medical care](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=a-2);
  - (3) reduces health care costs resulting from inefficiency, medical errors, inappropriate care, duplicative care, and incomplete information;
  - (4) provides appropriate information to help guide medical decisions at the time and place of care;
  - (5) ensures the inclusion of meaningful public input in such development of such infrastructure;
  - (6) improves the coordination of care and information among [hospitals](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=1), [laboratories](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=10), physician offices, and other entities through an effective infrastructure for the secure and authorized [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) of health care information;
  - (7) improves public health activities and facilitates the early identification and rapid response to public health threats and emergencies, including bioterror events and infectious disease outbreaks;
  - (8) facilitates health and [clinical research](/usc/42/284d.md?p=b) and health care quality;
  - (9) promotes early detection, prevention, and management of chronic diseases;
  - (10) promotes a more effective marketplace, greater competition, greater systems analysis, increased consumer choice, and improved outcomes in health [care services](/usc/42/300z–1.md?p=a-7); and
  - (11) improves efforts to reduce health disparities.
- (c) **Duties of the National Coordinator—**
  - (1) **Standards—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall—
    - (A) review and determine whether to endorse each standard, implementation specification, and certification criterion for the electronic [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) and use of [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) that is recommended by the [HIT Advisory Committee](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=7) under [section 300jj–12 of this title](/usc/42/300jj–12.md) for purposes of adoption under [section 300jj–14 of this title](/usc/42/300jj–14.md);
    - (B) make such determinations under [subparagraph (A)](#c-1-A), and report to the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) such determinations, not later than 45 days after the date the recommendation is received by the Coordinator; and
    - (C) review Federal [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) investments to ensure that Federal [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) are meeting the objectives of the strategic plan published under [paragraph (3)](#c-3).
  - (2) **HIT policy coordination—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall coordinate [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) policy and [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) of the Department with those of other relevant executive branch [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) with a goal of avoiding duplication of efforts and of helping to ensure that each [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) undertakes [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) activities primarily within the areas of its greatest expertise and technical capability and in a manner towards a coordinated national goal.
    - (B) **HIT Advisory Committee—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall be a leading member in the establishment and operations of the [HIT Advisory Committee](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=7) and shall serve as a liaison between that Committee and the Federal Government.
  - (3) **Strategic plan—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall, in consultation with other appropriate Federal [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) (including the National Institute of Standards and Technology), update the Federal Health IT Strategic Plan (developed as of June 3, 2008) to include specific objectives, milestones, and metrics with respect to the following:
      - (i) The electronic [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) and use of [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) and the [enterprise integration](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=2) of such information.
      - (ii) The utilization of an electronic health record for each person in the United States by 2014.
      - (iii) The incorporation of privacy and security protections for the electronic [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) of an individual’s [individually identifiable health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=8).
      - (iv) Ensuring security methods to ensure appropriate authorization and electronic authentication of [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) and specifying technologies or methodologies for rendering [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) unusable, unreadable, or indecipherable.
      - (v) Specifying a framework for coordination and flow of recommendations and policies under this part among the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c), the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11), the [HIT Advisory Committee](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=7), and other [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) [exchanges](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) and other relevant entities.
      - (vi) Methods to foster the public understanding of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5).
      - (vii) Strategies to enhance the use of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) in improving the quality of health care, reducing medical errors, reducing health disparities, improving public health, increasing prevention and coordination with community resources, and improving the continuity of care among health care settings.
      - (viii) Specific plans for ensuring that populations with unique needs, such as children, are appropriately addressed in the technology design, as appropriate, which may include technology that automates enrollment and retention for eligible individuals.
    - (B) **Collaboration—** The strategic plan shall be updated through collaboration of public and private entities.
    - (C) **Measurable outcome goals—** The strategic plan update shall include measurable outcome goals.
    - (D) **Publication—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall republish the strategic plan, including all updates.
  - (4) **Website—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall maintain and frequently update an Internet website on which there is posted information on the work, schedules, reports, recommendations, and other information to ensure transparency in promotion of a nationwide [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) infrastructure.
  - (5) **Certification—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11), in consultation with the [Director](/usc/42/11851.md?p=5) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall keep or recognize a [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) or [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) for the voluntary certification of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) as being in compliance with applicable certification criteria adopted under this part. Such [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) shall include, as appropriate, testing of the technology in accordance with [section 17911(b) of this title](/usc/42/17911.md?p=b).
    - (B) **Certification criteria described—** In this subchapter, the term “certification criteria” means, with respect to standards and implementation specifications for [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5), criteria to establish that the technology meets such standards and implementation specifications.
    - (C) **Health information technology for medical specialties and sites of service—**
      - (i) **In general—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall encourage, keep, or recognize, through existing authorities, the voluntary certification of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) under the [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) developed under [subparagraph (A)](#c-5-A) for use in medical specialties and sites of [service](/usc/42/201.md?p=a) for which no such technology is available or where more technological advancement or integration is needed.
      - (ii) **Specific medical specialties—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall accept public comment on specific medical specialties and sites of [service](/usc/42/201.md?p=a), in addition to those described in [clause (i)](#c-5-C-i), for the purpose of selecting additional specialties and sites of [service](/usc/42/201.md?p=a) as necessary.
      - (iii) **Health information technology for pediatrics—** Not later than 18 months after December 13, 2016, the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c), in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall make recommendations for the voluntary certification of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) for use by pediatric health [providers](/usc/42/299b–21.md?p=8) to support the health care of children. Not later than 2 years after December 13, 2016, the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall adopt certification criteria under [section 300jj–14 of this title](/usc/42/300jj–14.md) to support the voluntary certification of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) for use by pediatric health [providers](/usc/42/299b–21.md?p=8) to support the health care of children.
    - (D) **Conditions of certification—** Not later than 1 year after December 13, 2016, the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c), through notice and comment rulemaking, shall require, as a condition of certification and maintenance of certification for [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) maintained or recognized under this paragraph, consistent with other conditions and requirements under this subchapter, that the [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) developer or entity—
      - (i) does not take any action that constitutes information blocking as defined in [section 300jj–52(a) of this title](/usc/42/300jj–52.md?p=a);
      - (ii) provides assurances satisfactory to the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) that such developer or entity, unless for legitimate purposes specified by the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c), will not take any action described in [clause (i)](#c-5-D-i) or any other action that may inhibit the appropriate [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21), access, and use of electronic [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4);
      - (iii) does not prohibit or restrict communication regarding—
        - (I) the usability of the [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5);
        - (II) the [interoperability](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=9) of the [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5);
        - (III) the security of the [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5);
        - (IV) relevant information regarding users’ experiences when using the [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5);
        - (V) the business [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19) of developers of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) related to exchanging electronic [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4); and
        - (VI) the manner in which a user of the [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) has used such technology;
      - (iv) has published application programming interfaces and allows [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) from such technology to be accessed, exchanged, and used without special effort through the use of application programming interfaces or successor technology or standards, as provided for under applicable law, including providing access to all data elements of a patient’s electronic health record to the extent permissible under applicable privacy laws;
      - (v) has successfully tested the real world use of the technology for [interoperability](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=9) (as defined in [section 300jj of this title](/usc/42/300jj.md)) in the type of setting in which such technology would be marketed;
      - (vi) provides to the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) an attestation that the developer or entity—
        - (I) has not engaged in any of the conduct described in [clause (i)](#c-5-D-i);
        - (II) has provided assurances satisfactory to the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) in accordance with [clause (ii)](#c-5-D-ii);
        - (III) does not prohibit or restrict communication as described in [clause (iii)](#c-5-D-iii);
        - (IV) has published information in accordance with [clause (iv)](#c-5-D-iv);
        - (V) ensures that its technology allows for [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) to be exchanged, accessed, and used, in the manner described in [clause (iv)](#c-5-D-iv); and
        - (VI) has undertaken real world testing as described in [clause (v)](#c-5-D-v); and
      - (vii) submits reporting criteria in accordance with [section 300jj–19a(b) of this title](/usc/42/300jj–19a.md?p=b).
    - (E) **Compliance with conditions of certification—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) may encourage compliance with the conditions of certification described in [subparagraph (D)](#c-5-D) and take action to discourage noncompliance, as appropriate.
  - (6) **Reports and publications—**
    - (A) **Report on additional funding or authority needed—** Not later than 12 months after February 17, 2009, the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall submit to the appropriate committees of jurisdiction of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on any additional funding or authority the Coordinator or the HIT Policy Committee or HIT Standards Committee requires to evaluate and develop standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria, or to achieve full participation of stakeholders in the adoption of a nationwide [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) infrastructure that allows for the electronic use and [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) of [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4).
    - (B) **Implementation report—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall prepare a report that identifies lessons learned from major public and private health care systems in their implementation of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5), including information on whether the technologies and [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19) developed by such systems may be applicable to and usable in whole or in part by other [health care providers](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=3).
    - (C) **Assessment of impact of HIT on communities with health disparities and uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved areas—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall assess and publish the impact of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) in communities with health disparities and in areas with a high proportion of individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved individuals (including urban and rural areas) and identify [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19) to increase the adoption of such technology by [health care providers](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=3) in such communities, and the use of [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) to reduce and better manage chronic diseases.
    - (D) **Evaluation of benefits and costs of the electronic use and exchange of health information—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall evaluate and publish evidence on the benefits and costs of the electronic use and [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) of [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) and assess to whom these benefits and costs accrue.
    - (E) **Resource requirements—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall estimate and publish resources required annually to reach the goal of utilization of an electronic health record for each person in the United States by 2014, including—
      - (i) the required level of Federal funding;
      - (ii) expectations for regional, [State](/usc/42/300ii.md?p=8), and private investment;
      - (iii) the expected contributions by volunteers to activities for the utilization of such records; and
      - (iv) the resources needed to establish a [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) workforce sufficient to support this effort (including education [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) in medical informatics and [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) management).
  - (7) **Assistance—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) may provide financial assistance to consumer advocacy groups and not-for-profit entities that work in the public interest for purposes of defraying the cost to such groups and entities to participate under, whether in whole or in part, the National Technology Transfer Act of 1995 ([15 U.S.C. 272](/usc/15/272.md) note).[^1]
  - (8) **Governance for nationwide health information network—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall establish a governance mechanism for the nationwide [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) network.
  - (9) **Support for interoperable networks exchange—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall, in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and other relevant [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) within the Department of Health and Human [Services](/usc/42/201.md?p=a), for the purpose of ensuring full network-to-network [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) of [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4), convene public-private and public-public partnerships to build consensus and develop or support a trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework, including a common agreement among [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) networks nationally. Such convention may occur at a frequency determined appropriate by the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c).
    - (B) **Establishing a trusted exchange framework—**
      - (i) **In general—** Not later than 6 months after December 13, 2016, the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall convene appropriate public and private stakeholders to develop or support a trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework for trust policies and [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19) and for a common agreement for [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) between [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) networks. The common agreement may include—
        - (I) a common method for authenticating trusted [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) network [participants](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-11);
        - (II) a common set of rules for trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21);
        - (III) organizational and operational policies to enable the [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) of [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) among networks, including minimum conditions for such [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) to occur; and
        - (IV) a process for filing and adjudicating noncompliance with the terms of the common agreement.
      - (ii) **Technical assistance—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11), in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall provide technical assistance on how to implement the trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework and common agreement under this paragraph.
      - (iii) **Pilot testing—** The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11), in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall provide for the pilot testing of the trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework and common agreement established or supported under this subsection (as authorized under [section 17911 of this title](/usc/42/17911.md)). The [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11), in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, may delegate pilot testing activities under this clause to independent entities with appropriate expertise.
    - (C) **Publication of a trusted exchange framework and common agreement—** Not later than 1 year after convening stakeholders under [subparagraph (A)](#c-9-A), the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall publish on its public Internet website, and in the Federal register,[^2] the trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework and common agreement developed or supported under [subparagraph (B)](#c-9-B). Such trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework and common agreement shall be published in a manner that protects proprietary and security information, including trade secrets and any other protected intellectual property.
    - (D) **Directory of participating health information networks—**
      - (i) **In general—** Not later than 2 years after convening stakeholders under [subparagraph (A)](#c-9-A), and annually thereafter, the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) shall publish on its public Internet website a list of the [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) networks that have adopted the common agreement and are capable of trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) pursuant to the common agreement developed or supported under paragraph[^3] (B).
      - (ii) **Process—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall, through notice and comment rulemaking, establish a process for [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) networks that voluntarily elect to adopt the trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework and common agreement to attest to such adoption of the framework and agreement.
    - (E) **Application of the trusted exchange framework and common agreement—** As appropriate, Federal [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) contracting or entering into agreements with [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) networks may require that as each such network upgrades [health information technology](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=5) or trust and operational [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19), such network may adopt, where available, the trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework and common agreement published under [subparagraph (C)](#c-9-C).
    - (F) **Rule of construction—**
      - (i) **General adoption—** Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require a [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) network to adopt the trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework or common agreement.
      - (ii) **Adoption when exchange of information is within network—** Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require a [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) network to adopt the trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework or common agreement for the [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) of electronic [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) between [participants](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-11) of the same network.
      - (iii) **Existing frameworks and agreements—** The trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework and common agreement published under [subparagraph (C)](#c-9-C) shall take into account existing trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) frameworks and agreements used by [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) networks to avoid the disruption of existing [exchanges](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) between [participants](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-11) of [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) networks.
      - (iv) **Application by Federal agencies—** Notwithstanding clauses [(i)](#c-9-F-i), [(ii)](#c-9-F-ii), and [(iii)](#c-9-F-iii), Federal [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) may require the adoption of the trusted [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) framework and common agreement published under [subparagraph (C)](#c-9-C) for [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) [exchanges](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) contracting with or entering into agreements pursuant to [subparagraph (E)](#c-9-E).
      - (v) **Consideration of ongoing work—** In carrying out this paragraph, the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall ensure the consideration of activities carried out by public and private organizations related to [exchange](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) between [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) [exchanges](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-21) to avoid duplication of efforts.
- (d) **Detail of Federal employees—**
  - (1) **In general—** Upon the request of the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11), the head of any Federal [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) is authorized to detail, with or without reimbursement from the Office, any of the personnel of such [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) to the Office to assist it in carrying out its duties under this section.
  - (2) **Effect of detail—** Any detail of personnel under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) shall—
    - (A) not interrupt or otherwise affect the civil [service](/usc/42/201.md?p=a) status or privileges of the Federal [employee](/usc/42/300gg–91.md?p=d-5); and
    - (B) be in addition to any other staff of the Department employed by the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11).
  - (3) **Acceptance of detailees—** Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Office may accept detailed personnel from other Federal [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) without regard to whether the [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) described under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) is reimbursed.
- (e) **Chief Privacy Officer of the Office of the National Coordinator—** Not later than 12 months after February 17, 2009, the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall appoint a Chief Privacy Officer of the Office of the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11), whose duty it shall be to advise the [National Coordinator](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=11) on privacy, security, and data stewardship of electronic [health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=4) and to coordinate with other Federal [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) (and similar privacy officers in such [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1)), with [State](/usc/42/300ii.md?p=8) and regional efforts, and with foreign countries with regard to the privacy, security, and data stewardship of electronic [individually identifiable health information](/usc/42/300jj.md?p=8).

## Footnotes

[^1]: See References in Text note below.
[^2]: So in original. Probably should be “Register,”.
[^3]: So in original. Probably should be “subparagraph”.

## Source credit

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXX, § 3001, as added Pub. L. 111–5, div. A, title XIII, § 13101, Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 230; amended Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title IV, §§ 4001(b), 4002(a), 4003(b), (e)(2)(A)(i), (ii), (C), Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1158, 1159, 1165, 1174.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The National Technology Transfer Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note), referred to in subsec. (c)(7), probably means section 12(d) of Pub. L. 104–113, known as the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995, which is set out as a note under section 272 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

### Amendments

2016—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 114–255, § 4003(e)(2)(C)(i), substituted “under section 300jj–12 of this title” for “under section 300jj–13 of this title”.

Pub. L. 114–255, § 4003(e)(2)(A)(i), substituted “HIT Advisory Committee” for “HIT Standards Committee”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 114–255, § 4003(e)(2)(C)(ii), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The National Coordinator shall be a leading member in the establishment and operations of the HIT Policy Committee and the HIT Standards Committee and shall serve as a liaison among those two Committees and the Federal Government.”

Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(v). Pub. L. 114–255, § 4003(e)(2)(A)(ii), which directed amendment of this section by substituting “HIT Advisory Committee” for “HIT Policy Committee and the HIT Standards Committee” wherever appearing, was executed to cl. (v) by making the substitution for “HIT Policy Committee, the HIT Standards Committee”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (c)(5)(C). Pub. L. 114–255, § 4001(b), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (c)(5)(D), (E). Pub. L. 114–255, § 4002(a), added subpars. (D) and (E).

Subsec. (c)(6)(A). Pub. L. 114–255, § 4003(e)(2)(A)(i), which directed amendment of this section by substituting “HIT Advisory Committee” for both “HIT Policy Committee” and “HIT Standards Committee” wherever appearing, but not within the term “HIT Policy Committee or the HIT Standards Committee”, was not executed to subpar. (A) as provided in the exception, notwithstanding text that reads “HIT Policy Committee or HIT Standards Committee”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 114–255, § 4003(b), added par. (9).

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Provider Digital Contact Information Index

Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title IV, § 4003(c), Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1167, provided that: In general.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 13, 2016], the Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this subsection as the ‘Secretary’) shall, directly or through a partnership with a private entity, establish a provider digital contact information index to provide digital contact information for health professionals and health facilities. Use of existing index.—In establishing the initial index under paragraph (1), the Secretary may utilize an existing provider directory to make such digital contact information available. Contact information.—An index established under this subsection shall ensure that contact information is available at the individual health care provider level and at the health facility or practice level.Rule of construction.— In general.—The purpose of this subsection is to encourage the exchange of electronic health information by providing the most useful, reliable, and comprehensive index of providers possible. In furthering such purpose, the Secretary shall include all health professionals and health facilities applicable to provide a useful, reliable, and comprehensive index for use in the exchange of health information. Limitation.—In no case shall exclusion from the index of providers be used as a measure to achieve objectives other [than] the objectives described in subparagraph (A).”