What is the significant role of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)?

Steering federal strategy and mandating compliance standards

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) functions as a central guiding force within the federal structure concerning the digitization and exchange of health information. Its role is strategic, focusing on setting the overarching direction for national health IT policy. Crucially, the ONC is responsible for establishing and enforcing the compliance standards that health organizations must adhere to regarding data exchange mechanisms and security protocols. This oversight ensures that disparate efforts move toward a unified federal vision, distinguishing its role from that of payers, such as CMS, which primarily utilize financial incentives or penalties.