HHS Leaders Emphasize AI Strategy for Healthcare Improvement
Leaders from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressed their commitment to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare during a recent webinar. This discussion revolved around the AI strategy unveiled in December 2025 and the ongoing collaboration with healthcare stakeholders on how to effectively embrace AI.
Thomas Keane, the national coordinator for health IT, highlighted the main aim: to enhance healthcare access, affordability, and effectiveness through technology, including AI. During the webinar, he shared insights from a request for information (RFI) issued in December 2025. This RFI invited feedback on how HHS could utilize its resources to facilitate AI adoption in clinical settings.
The response to the RFI was substantial, with HHS receiving over 7,300 comments. From this feedback, leaders identified three key themes. First, stakeholders stressed the importance of improved coordination within HHS. Second, healthcare organizations expressed a need for support regarding AI adoption, including guidance on governance and responsible use. Lastly, there was a call for more benchmarks and evaluation metrics to better navigate the future of AI in healthcare.
Keane acknowledged the complexity of the AI landscape, emphasizing that HHS’s approach should be nuanced.
ARPA-H’s Initiative Tackles Heart Disease with AI
Dr. Haider Warraich, a cardiologist and program manager at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), introduced the ADVOCATE program during the webinar. This initiative targets the critical challenge of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Warraich pointed out the significant shortage of cardiologists in many areas, noting that almost half of U.S. counties lack any cardiology services.
The ADVOCATE program aims to utilize AI to bridge this gap in care. It envisions AI agents providing around-the-clock support for tasks like managing appointments and offering dietary and exercise guidance. Warraich stated that the ultimate goal is to develop AI solutions that can function similarly to a clinician and seamlessly integrate into patient interactions.
ARPA-H is collaborating with tech experts, academics, and nonprofits to create a patient-focused AI system that could transform cardiovascular care.
Community Living Administration Aims to Empower Seniors
The Administration for Community Living (ACL), a branch of HHS, is utilizing AI to help older adults live independently in their own homes. Mary Lazare, the ACL’s principal deputy administrator, explained that the department is exploring ways to use AI for wearable technology and home modifications. This includes features that enhance safety and convenience, like automated door locks and smart lighting.
Additionally, the ACL is working to connect individuals with disabilities to job opportunities through AI, aiming to improve their quality of life.
Kelly Cronin, ACL’s deputy administrator for innovation, discussed two specific programs designed to advance AI. The first is a caregiver prize challenge, which seeks innovative AI solutions to alleviate caregiver shortages. The second initiative is the Health at Home Challenge, aimed at enhancing support for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
FDA’s Focus on AI Policy Development
During the webinar, the FDA’s new director of the Digital Health Center of Excellence, Dr. Rick Abramson, shared insights on the agency’s approach to AI regulation. He emphasized the FDA’s commitment to developing clear policies as AI technology evolves.
Abramson highlighted the importance of coordinating regulations across federal and state entities to ensure effective oversight. He assured attendees that the FDA would soon offer public insights and solicit feedback, reflecting a collective aim to safely accelerate the integration of AI in clinical practice.
The ongoing discussions mark vital steps toward harnessing AI’s potential in transforming healthcare for the better.
