HHS Request for Information on Formation of Health Care Innovators and Investors Workgroup

On June 7, 2018, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register regarding formation of a workgroup to encourage investment and innovation in health care. The RFI provides investors and innovative companies in health care with an opportunity to engage with the HHS to improve understanding and foster dialogue. Comments are due July 6, 2018.

HHS released an RFI seeking comments regarding the formation of a workgroup that would facilitate public/private engagement and discourse on investments and innovation in the health care sector. The RFI seeks specific feedback on:

• Focus areas for the workgroup (e., what issues the workgroup should tackle);
• Composition of the workgroup;
• Opportunities for increased engagement between HHS and health care innovators and investors.

The Trump administration has placed a high priority on bringing innovative, private sector solutions to the federal government. For example, the administration created the White House Office of American Innovation, led by Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, to bring “a creative and strategic approach to many critical issues and intractable problems that affect Americans’ quality of life.” The HHS RFI appears to have a similar aim, but with a specific focus on engaging health care investors and innovators.

Interested parties are asked to provide feedback to the agency in response to the RFI. Your comments are an opportunity to engage and educate the HHS leadership and staff as to what would be most helpful from innovator and investor perspectives. Comments are due 30 days from publication in the Federal Register (July 6, 2018).

McDermott+Consulting can assist interested in parties in engaging on this RFI, including assistance with preparation and submission of written responses and with preparing corporate leaders for participation in department and White House workgroups. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or for more information.

• The RFI is available here.

For more information contact Mara McDermott or Adaeze Enekwechi.