The promise of AI in federal health—from predicting disease outbreaks to automating administrative tasks—depends entirely on the quality of the data behind it. Consistent with the Administration’s “Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence,” the critical barrier is no longer AI capability itself; it's operationalizing high-quality, interoperable, and secure data at an enterprise level. Agencies that master this challenge will be positioned to lead—those that do not risk falling further behind in an increasingly AI-governed federal landscape.

This session examines how federal health agencies are moving from simply collecting data to making that data drive measurable decisions and outcomes. Experts will analyze the shift  from reactive data management to proactive data operations, highlighting how modernized pipelines and shared data standards transform raw data assets into AI-ready intelligence. By focusing on standards, APIs, and strong governance, agencies can ultimately "do more with less," improving program oversight and reducing the administrative burden on clinicians.

Successful adoption depends on more than just technology; it requires a combination of technical preparedness, organizational trust, and executive commitment at the highest levels. This panel discussion offers a strategic lens - not just on what the technology can do, but what governance structures, workforce investments, and procurement reforms are necessary to make AI in federal health both responsible and results-driven. Our panel of experts will share real-world examples of how data modernization has enhanced patient outcomes and operational efficiency, and will offer a roadmap for overcoming workforce-readiness and procurement hurdles in an AI-driven world. 

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of what it takes — technically and organizationally — to move from data abundance to data-driven health program outcomes that serve the American public.

AI Executive Order & Governance Alignment

This session directly supports the Administration’s AI Executive Order priorities by addressing the foundational data infrastructure required for trustworthy, accountable, and effective AI in federal health programs. Key alignments include:

• Data governance as the prerequisite for responsible AI deployment in federal health (EO Section 4—Governing AI in the Federal Government)
• Interoperability and open standards as enablers of AI accountability and transparency across HHS programs
• Workforce and procurement reforms essential to executing the AI talent and acquisition strategies outlined in the EO
• Security and privacy frameworks that underpin safe AI use in sensitive health and benefits data environments