The US Presidential Election’s Potential Impact on Health Tech, Privacy Laws, FHIR Standards, and the Role of Itirra in Shaping the Future of Health Tech
The 2024 U.S. presidential election is set to be a pivotal moment, not just for the broader political landscape but for healthcare policy, technology, and privacy. The healthcare sector, already undergoing rapid digital transformation, will likely see significant regulatory changes depending on the outcome of the election. Key areas that will be impacted include health technology innovation, the evolution of health privacy laws, and the continued adoption and expansion of FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standards. As healthcare technology becomes increasingly central to patient care, organizations like Itirra—a Washington State-based health tech lab with over a decade of experience designing, developing, and deploying bespoke HL7 and FHIR standard apps—stand at the forefront of this transformation. Itirra’s role in creating robust integration solutions positions it as a key player in navigating the shifts that will follow the election.
At the core of the potential changes lies health technology, which has become indispensable to modern healthcare delivery. Regardless of who wins the election, it is clear that the role of technology in healthcare will only continue to grow. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of digital health tools like telemedicine, remote monitoring, and artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics. However, the next administration will influence how these technologies are regulated, developed, and implemented. A Democratic president may push for more stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, equity, and privacy in health tech innovation, potentially slowing down the speed at which new technologies are brought to market but increasing oversight to ensure that patient outcomes and data security are prioritized. This regulatory emphasis may particularly affect startups and smaller health tech companies that lack the resources to navigate complex compliance requirements.
Conversely, a Republican-led administration may prioritize deregulation, encouraging faster innovation and market-driven solutions but potentially at the cost of comprehensive patient protections. Health tech firms could find it easier to bring new products and solutions to market, but there may be less government oversight to ensure their efficacy and safety. In this scenario, companies like Itirra, with extensive experience in building compliant solutions that adhere to HL7 and FHIR standards, will play a crucial role in balancing the need for innovation with the imperative of regulatory compliance. Itirra’s expertise in designing and deploying interoperable apps ensures that healthcare organizations can navigate these challenges while maintaining alignment with industry standards, regardless of the political climate.
One of the most significant policy areas likely to be influenced by the presidential election is healthcare data privacy. With the digitization of health records and the growing use of mobile health apps and wearables, protecting patient data has never been more critical. Under a Democratic administration, we may see an expansion of privacy protections similar to the European Union’s GDPR, with potential updates to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) to reflect modern technologies that were not previously accounted for. This could lead to stricter regulations governing how patient data is collected, shared, and used, particularly by tech companies and third-party vendors. Stronger data privacy laws could also enhance patient trust, making it easier for patients to engage with digital health solutions knowing their information is secure.
On the other hand, a Republican administration might take a more hands-off approach, focusing on ensuring that healthcare organizations have the flexibility to innovate and improve operational efficiency. While this could accelerate the adoption of new health technologies, it could also create gaps in privacy protections, potentially allowing health data to be used for commercial purposes without sufficient oversight. In this case, organizations like Itirra will be vital in helping healthcare providers and tech companies implement secure and compliant systems. With over 10 years of experience building bespoke health tech solutions, Itirra specializes in creating applications that adhere to both HL7 and FHIR standards, ensuring that health data is handled responsibly while enabling seamless interoperability.
FHIR standards, in particular, are poised to be a focal point in the healthcare landscape after the election. As the primary standard for healthcare data exchange, FHIR plays a crucial role in making health information accessible and interoperable across different platforms and providers. Its inclusion in the 21st Century Cures Act has already propelled its adoption, but the election outcome could either accelerate or slow down its widespread implementation. A Democratic president might push for stronger mandates requiring healthcare organizations to adopt FHIR-based systems, with the goal of creating a fully interoperable healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes patient data access and transparency. This would mean more funding for health information technology infrastructure, further integration across the healthcare continuum, and potential incentives for adopting FHIR-based applications.
In contrast, a Republican administration may take a more market-driven approach, reducing regulatory requirements for adopting FHIR and leaving it up to individual healthcare organizations to determine how best to achieve interoperability. This could slow down the pace of standardization, as organizations might opt to continue using proprietary systems that are cheaper or easier to implement in the short term. However, companies like Itirra, with deep expertise in building FHIR-compliant solutions, can bridge this gap by helping healthcare providers implement custom, scalable solutions that meet both regulatory and operational needs. Itirra’s bespoke FHIR integration apps are designed to streamline data sharing while maintaining security and compliance, positioning the company as an essential partner for healthcare organizations looking to adapt to evolving standards.
Another area likely to be influenced by the election is the push for telehealth expansion. Telehealth has become a crucial tool for expanding access to care, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its future will be shaped by the next administration’s approach to healthcare reform. A Democratic-led government might seek to make pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities permanent, ensuring that underserved populations—such as those in rural areas—continue to benefit from virtual care options. This could involve expanding broadband infrastructure and increasing reimbursement rates for telehealth services under government healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. In this context, health tech companies like Itirra, which specialize in developing interoperable apps, will be instrumental in ensuring that telehealth platforms are fully integrated into existing healthcare workflows, allowing providers to seamlessly access and share patient data.
In contrast, a Republican administration might favor a more privatized telehealth market, promoting competition among providers and encouraging innovation from private companies. While this could lead to rapid advancements in telehealth technology, it may also result in a more fragmented system where interoperability and standardization are secondary concerns. In such a scenario, Itirra’s ability to develop custom, FHIR-based solutions that integrate telehealth platforms with broader healthcare systems will be critical in maintaining continuity of care and ensuring that patient data can be easily shared across providers.
Overall, the 2024 presidential election will have far-reaching implications for health technology, privacy laws, and the adoption of FHIR standards. Whether the U.S. moves toward more regulation and standardization or a market-driven approach, healthcare organizations will need to navigate a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. Itirra, with its decade-long experience in building compliant, interoperable health tech solutions, is well-positioned to help healthcare providers and tech companies adapt to these changes. By leveraging its expertise in HL7 and FHIR integration, Itirra ensures that its clients can meet regulatory requirements, enhance patient outcomes, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive health tech market.
In conclusion, while the future of health technology and privacy laws will largely depend on the outcome of the election, one thing is certain: healthcare organizations will need reliable partners to navigate the shifting landscape. Itirra’s track record of delivering customized, interoperable solutions makes it a crucial ally for healthcare providers and tech companies looking to thrive in this new era of healthcare innovation.
Contact Itirra today to learn more!