By Healthcare Facilities Today

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have organized a new workgroup tasked with promoting innovation in health information technology (Health IT) while safeguarding patient safety. 

The workgroup will hold its first meeting April 29, 2013, and will report to the Health IT Policy Committee, which advises the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC).

"New technologies can revolutionize health care, helping to improve patient outcomes, while expanding access, creating convenience and lowering health care costs for millions of Americans," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a press release. "We anticipate that this talented group of leaders from their respective fields of discipline will help to bring fresh ideas to the table with an eye towards ensuring patient safety."

The group’s membership includes agency officials and experts representing patients, health care providers, health plans or other third-party payers as well as other stakeholders

For a list of workgroup members and to publicly comment on the topics discussed by the group, visit www.healthit.gov/policy-researchers-implementers/federal-advisory-committees-facas/fdasia