Healthcare IT Leaders Should Leverage the Incoming Administration’s Distaste for Regulation to Relieve Excessive Burdens, Says CHIME’s Mari Savickis

As the winds of change sweep through Washington, D.C., healthcare IT executives must prepare for a shifting regulatory landscape. With a new administration and congressional majority poised to reshape federal priorities, organizations like CHIME are focused on ensuring their members’ voices are heard. Mari Savickis, CHIME’s Vice President of Public Policy, recently provided insights into the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare IT leaders in this dynamic environment.

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A Shifting Regulatory Landscape: What to Expect

Every four years, the healthcare industry braces for potential shifts in federal policy as administrations transition. According to Savickis, “The policies under one administration often won’t align with those of its successor, especially when there’s a change in party leadership. This creates a landscape that’s constantly shifting underneath us.”

A critical focus for CHIME and its members is understanding how impending regulatory changes will impact their operations. For example, the Biden administration’s AI executive order and other recent initiatives may face revision or repeal. As Savickis points out, “The Congressional Review Act (CRA) gives a new administration the ability to roll back rules they view as burdensome or misaligned with their priorities.”

Healthcare IT executives should anticipate a regulatory environment with fewer mandates but increased scrutiny of compliance with remaining standards. This approach, aligned with Republican priorities, could significantly impact how healthcare organizations allocate resources to meet the shifting regulatory landscape.

The Chevron decision by the Supreme Court earlier this year, which limits agencies’ power to issue sweeping mandates, also adds complexity. Savickis explained that this ruling forces federal agencies to carefully craft regulations to avoid legal challenges, potentially slowing the release of new rules and standards. “Regulatory folks need to think twice about overreaching,” she said. “That creates a climate where regulatory burdens may actually decrease in the near term.”

Telehealth and Cybersecurity: Top Concerns

Among the immediate issues on CHIME’s radar are telehealth policies and cybersecurity initiatives. The looming December 20th deadline for government funding brings uncertainty about whether telehealth extensions will be part of a continuing resolution. These extensions, vital to the widespread use of telehealth, remain a point of contention between parties. “Telehealth isn’t free,” Savickis explained. “It comes at a cost to the federal government, so there’s an ongoing discussion about how to fund these critical services.”

Savickis, however, is confident that an extension of at least two years is on the way.

Cybersecurity remains another pressing concern. The escalating frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks make this an urgent issue, particularly for underfunded providers. CHIME has engaged with policymakers to support the Healthcare Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2024, which proposes grants and standards to bolster cyber defenses. “Cyber is our top priority,” Savickis emphasized, noting the disproportionate impact of cyber threats on rural and underserved providers. “You don’t want to see a cyberattack take down the weakest link.”

The legislation includes funding opportunities for resource-constrained organizations, such as those in rural areas, to improve their cybersecurity infrastructure. For health systems, especially those operating in underserved regions, staying informed about these potential grants will be essential.

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