HHS Deputy Secretary Hargan Announces Collaboration to Accelerate Innovation and Investment in Healthcare

Press Release | US Department of Health and Human Services | September 19, 2018

HHS requests recommendations of private sector leaders to take part in yearlong collaboration

Today, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan announced the creation of the Deputy Secretary's Innovation and Investment Summit (DSIIS). The DSIIS will be a yearlong collaboration between healthcare innovation and investment professionals and HHS personnel who will meet quarterly to discuss the innovation and investment landscape within the healthcare sector, emerging opportunities, and the government's role in facilitating more investment and accelerated innovation. This announcement follows a June 2018 "Request for Information" posted by HHS in the Federal Register requesting public feedback and input on this issue. The initiative is consistent with one of Secretary Azar's four department-wide priorities: fostering a more value-based health care system.

Eric D. Hargan"Collaboration between HHS and private sector investors and innovators is critical to advancing new solutions and evolving healthcare in America," said Deputy Secretary Hargan. "We believe this will produce new approaches that will improve the health and well-being of the American people. As the healthcare community innovates, HHS must also be innovative in how we engage with that community."

The DSIIS will produce high-level dialogues between HHS and private sector innovators to accelerate new investment and research in healthcare that will advance the mission of HHS to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans. Specifically, the DSIIS will invite a range of healthcare innovators and investors on an annual basis to voluntarily participate in quarterly meetings, along with a comprehensive "Industry Day" gathering following the fourth session. The initial DSIIS meeting will examine the scope of the issue and evaluate areas of interest to be explored and discussed in subsequent meetings. Participants will provide their individual perspectives on a range of issues related to healthcare innovation and investment. Quarterly DSIIS meetings will focus on emerging innovation opportunities and whether government policies are accelerating or delaying these innovations. Working groups may also be established to gather additional information on a given topic or extend outreach to additional participants.

Additional Background

  • Prospective participants will be evaluated on their experience, knowledge and leadership in innovation and investment in the healthcare sector.
  • Selection criteria for prospective participants include:
    • Areas of educational focus,
    • Executive or other organizational leadership experience,
    • Private equity experience,
    • Venture capital experience,
    • Lending experience within the healthcare sector,

Recommendations of DSIIS participants will be accepted from September 19, 2018 through October 3, 2018, and must include a resume/CV and a brief description of why the individual recommended would be a good candidate to help deliver on and advance the goals of the DSIIS. Recommendations should be submitted to [email protected] with the subject line "DSIIS Recommendation."