Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), Federal Health Information Technology Strategic Plan, 2011 – 2015. In developing and executing the federal health IT strategy, the government strives to

• “Put individuals and their interests first. In order to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, the government must meet the needs and protect the rights of each individual.
• Be a worthy steward of the country’s money and trust. The government seeks to use its resources judiciously. This means relying to the extent possible on private markets to accomplish important societal objectives, and acting to correct market failures when necessary. It also means developing governmental policies through open and transparent processes.
• Support health IT benefits for all. All Americans should have equal access to quality health care. This includes the benefits conferred by health IT. The government will endeavor to assure that underserved and at-risk individuals enjoy these benefits to the same extent as all other citizens.
• Focus on outcomes. Federal health IT policy will constantly focus on improving the outcomes of care, so as to advance the health of Americans and the performance of their health care system.
• Build boldly on what works. The government will set ambitious goals and then work methodically to achieve them, monitoring health IT successes, and looking for ways to expand upon programs that work. It will seek to be nimble and action-oriented: evaluating existing government activities, learning from experience, and changing course if necessary.
• Encourage innovation. The government is working to create an environment of testing, learning, and improving, thereby fostering breakthroughs that quickly and radically transform health care. The government will support innovation in health IT.”