HIT Grants Help States Build Insurance Exchange

A look at the week of November 1, 2010, in public advocacy for the IT channel

A new health IT grant program aims to build insurance exchange systems between states.  Government workers have been scouting hacker conventions in search of new employees.  Cloud computing technology raises questions about data ownership and security.

HIT Grants Help States Build Insurance Exchange — The Obama administration has launched a new grant program designed to help states establish the online insurance exchanges, which are scheduled to go live in 2014, reports The Hill.  The "early innovator" grants will be available to coalitions of states that come up with cutting-edge health IT systems to run their exchange programs.

Government Reaches Out to Hackers — Representatives from the Defense Department's newly founded Cyber Command have been making the rounds at various hacker conferences to learn about the latest methods the community is using.  According to Nextgov.com, federal agencies are looking for highly skilled hacking experts that can help with counter cyber attack measures.   

Cloud Computing Policy Needs Stronger Guidelines — Cloud computing is being touted for its many benefits, but policymakers must provide greater legal certainty about who is responsible for the data, National Journal reports.  Under current law, different standards apply when data is stored on a user's computer, when it is in transit such as when it's sent over e-mail and when it is stored in the cloud.  Industry leaders are calling for a clarification and reform of the current policy.