As fall approaches, and leaves begin to change, North Carolina’s healthcare ecosystem continues to adapt to rapid changes in technology, policy, and patient needs. From statewide efforts to expand broadband and support telehealth, to the growing role of data interoperability and AI-powered decision support, innovation is reshaping the way care is delivered across our communities.
NC HIMSS is committed to helping healthcare professionals stay ahead of these changes and better anticipate the future of healthcare delivery. This month, we’re gearing up for the event of the year: The NC HIMSS Annual Conference! We’re also spotlighting emerging trends in digital health in our news section, and policy/legislative changes in our NEW advocacy corner.
Thank you to our conference only sponsors Ascom/GE, Upland Interfax, and SHI International!
Upcoming Events
Clinical Informatics Workgroup Webinar
AI in Clinical Decision Making:
Enhancing Care While Preserving the Human Touch
Webinar – August 20 at Noon EST
Join the Clinical Informatics Workgroup on August 20 at Noon for a compelling webinar, AI in Clinical Decision Making: Enhancing Care While Preserving the Human Touch. Dr. Sonali Bhadoria of NC HIEA will explore how AI is transforming clinical workflows, where human insight remains critical, and best practices for responsible implementation. With 18 years in data science and medical imaging, Dr. Bhadoria brings unmatched insight to the intersection of AI and clinical care.
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North Carolina HIMSS 2025 Annual Conference:
Innovate, Collaborate, Transform
The HIMSS North Carolina Chapter Annual Conference is where healthcare IT professionals from across the state come together to learn, share, and connect. This year’s event brings you:
- Dynamic keynotes from leaders driving real change in healthcare and technology
- Breakout sessions packed with practical insights and strategies you can apply right away
- Networking opportunities with peers, partners, and innovators who are shaping the future of healthcare IT
- Exhibitors and sponsors showcasing the latest solutions to today’s biggest challenges
This is more than just a conference. It is a chance to spark ideas, build connections, and walk away inspired and equipped for what is next in healthcare.
Everyone will be talking about it in October. Register today and make sure you are part of it.
October 13th – 14th at the NCSU McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC. Early Bird registration is now open and registration prices increase August 16th so register now!
Advocacy Corner
AI Legislation & Regulation
Federal: Sen. Cruz’s SANDBOX Act would let agencies (via Office of Science and Tech Policy) waive certain regs to test AI, with safeguards; it also enables fast-track congressional votes to permanently repeal those regs. GAO counts 94 federal AI requirements; agencies must publish AI strategies with oversight from NAIC/NAIO.
States (2025): 1,080+ AI bills, 118 enacted (~11%). Focus: deepfakes (68 new laws, sexual content regulation emerges as a central theme in most state AI legislative efforts), digital replicas (AR, MT, PA, UT), algorithmic use in healthcare/insurance and housing (CO vetoed rent-setting ban), worker protections (NY transparency/anti-displacement), ownership/liability (AR), and “Right to Compute” (MT).
Digital Health & Telehealth
Medicare telehealth cliff—Sept 30, 2025: Without action, pre-COVID rules return (rural/geographic limits, no home-based visits, most audio-only ends except limited behavioral health).
CMS CY2026 proposal: Extends FQHC/RHC billing for non-behavioral telehealth (incl. audio-only) through Dec 31, 2026; mental-health in-person requirement resumes Oct 1, 2025 (annual visit unless exceptions).
Advocacy Watch
Sept 23: CTeL Digital Health Tech & AI Showcase (Capitol Hill) spotlighting risks if waivers lapse. Our Advocacy Chair, Brooke McSwain, will attend—look for her recap.
Funding/Policy Context
Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1968): Funds govt through Sept 30, 2025; includes some health extensions but no permanent telehealth reforms or comprehensive AI regs yet. There will be telehealth coverage until September 30. Full text available from House Appropriations.
Questions? Contact Brooke McSwain, NC HIMSS Advocacy Chair.
Workgroups
Cybersecurity (Mark Mormann)
Lead efforts to educate and guide the chapter in cybersecurity awareness and activities.
- Stay Ahead of Threats: Participate in initiatives to enhance cybersecurity awareness and safeguard our healthcare systems.
- Educational Outreach: Help organize events and resources to educate members on the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices.
Clinical Informatics (Malcolm Sanderson)
Guide chapter efforts to improve patient care and outcomes using information and technology.
- Clinical Informatics Education:Help organize events and resources to educate members on the latest solutions to improve patient outcomes and streamline clinical workflows.
- Innovative Solutions: Share innovative informatics solutions that are addressing current healthcare challenges.
DEI in Healthcare IT (Jennifer Jury)
Provide opportunities to help promote the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the healthcare technology professions.
Join this team and become part of knowledge sharing and learning!
- Promote Inclusion: Engage in activities that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the healthcare IT community.
- Support DEI Initiatives: Contribute to programs and discussions that highlight the importance of DEI in healthcare technology.
NCHIMSS Mentorship Program (Blake Jones)
Provide opportunities for dialogue, learning, and support for emerging leaders in healthcare information and technology.
- Empower Future Leaders: Join efforts to mentor and support emerging leaders in healthcare IT.
- Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate opportunities for learning and professional growth through mentorship.
If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, or you’re looking for one, learn more here and feel free to contact Blake Jones for more information.
Become a workgroup member today!
Joining a workgroup is a fantastic way to connect with peers and make a meaningful impact in healthcare and healthcare IT. For more information or to join a workgroup, contact Steffany Whiting.
News
- North Carolina to Apply for the Rural Health Transformation Program
- Duke Health sets its sights on statewide expansion
- Physician aims to build health and community through Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Charlotte
- Advocate Health’s chief physician exec offers tips for transformative telehealth
Sponsors and Sponsorship
How do these sponsors support healthcare IT?
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Secure a sponsorship spot for NC HIMSS events for the 2024-2025 year! Click here to Become a Sponsor – North Carolina HIMSS (nchimss.org). For questions, please contact McRay Simmons.