As we move into the second half of 2026, healthcare technology leaders continue to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, telehealth, workforce challenges, and healthcare transformation initiatives.
This month’s newsletter highlights key developments affecting healthcare organizations across North Carolina and beyond, including emerging AI governance frameworks, Medicaid and healthcare policy updates, federal telehealth developments, and the latest news from North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
Thank you for your continued engagement with the HIMSS North Carolina Chapter as we work together to advance the use of technology to improve healthcare delivery, outcomes, and access across our state.
Thank you for being part of the NC HIMSS community. We look forward to another month of learning, collaboration, and advancing healthcare together.
Continue Reading for More!
- HIMSS North Carolina Leadership Lens
- New Board Members
- Upcoming Chapter Events
- Advocacy Corner
- News Across North Carolina
- Sponsors & Sponsorships
HIMSS North Carolina Leadership Lens
Over the past year, I’ve integrated generative AI (GenAI) into my daily workflow—and I’ll admit, I still occasionally pause and ask myself:
“Is this… allowed?”
Not because of any policy ambiguity, but because of the sheer impact. Across a typical day, GenAI consistently saves me well over an hour—whether I’m drafting communications, refining process documentation, or updating knowledge bases. The output is clearer, more structured, and more polished than what I would typically produce on my own under similar time constraints.
Where I’ve seen particularly striking gains is in technical work. I have a solid foundation in SQL, but GenAI has fundamentally changed how I approach it. The queries I produce today are more robust, secure, and efficient—often developed in a fraction of the time. It’s less about replacing expertise and more about amplifying it.
Recently, I used GenAI to help compile a fully referenced summary of industry best practices to support a proposal—something that would have taken hours of manual research and synthesis. Instead, I was able to focus more on interpretation, alignment, and value for the client.
And of course, these efficiencies extend beyond work into everyday life, reinforcing just how broadly applicable these tools have become.
So the question remains: is this cheating?
In the context of healthcare IT—where time, accuracy, and clarity directly impact outcomes—the better question may be: Are we prepared to redefine what effective, responsible work looks like in the age of AI?
GenAI doesn’t replace critical thinking, governance, or domain expertise. It enhances them. And like any powerful tool in our field, its value depends on how thoughtfully and responsibly we use it.
Thank you board members!
As the HIMSS North Carolina Chapter begins a new fiscal year, we extend our sincere gratitude to the board members whose terms of service have recently concluded. Your dedication, leadership, and volunteer commitment have helped strengthen our chapter and advance the healthcare technology community across North Carolina. The time, expertise, and passion you have shared have made a lasting impact on our members and the initiatives we support.
We also warmly welcome our new board members and congratulate those stepping into new leadership roles. To our returning board members, thank you for your continued service and commitment to the chapter’s mission. Your willingness to volunteer your time and talents ensures that HIMSS North Carolina remains a vibrant community for education, networking, advocacy, and professional growth. We look forward to another successful year of collaboration, innovation, and advancing healthcare through technology together.
Upcoming Events
HIMSS North Carolina Artificial Intelligence Workgroup – Inaugural Meeting
First Virtual Meeting
July 22 from 10 AM – 11 AM
This group will bring together healthcare leaders, IT professionals, clinicians, informatics teams, operational leaders, solution partners, and others interested in sharing ideas and learning from real world AI use cases. Topics may include leading AI tools, vendor evaluation, governance, risk management, clinical documentation, patient access, automation, and implementation lessons learned.
If interested in being a part, complete the interest form at the link below
and be sure to select “AI Workgroup”.
Note: These will be held virtually once a month.
More information available here
HIMSS North Carolina Annual Conference
Registration is now open for our Annual Conference. Join healthcare and technology leaders from across the Carolinas for two days of education, networking, innovation, and collaboration focused on shaping the future of healthcare.
Take advantage of our early registration rates:
- Members: $179
- Non-Members: $229
- Students: $99
Now is the perfect time to secure your spot and save.
Stay tuned—the conference agenda will be announced soon, featuring
expert speakers, timely topics, and valuable insights into the latest healthcare technology trends and innovations.
Advocacy Corner
Healthcare technology policy continues to evolve rapidly at both the state and federal levels. From artificial intelligence governance and Medicaid reform to telehealth reimbursement and rural health transformation, many of the most significant healthcare policy discussions underway today have direct implications for healthcare IT leaders. Below are several developments NCHIMSS members should keep on their radar.
AI Governance Moves from Innovation to Enterprise Risk Management
As healthcare organizations rapidly adopt artificial intelligence tools across clinical, operational, and administrative settings, governance is emerging as one of the most important challenges facing healthcare IT leaders. In June, the Health Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) Cybersecurity Working Group released its Health Industry AI Cyber Governance Framework Implementation Guide, an 87-page resource designed to help healthcare organizations establish the structures, policies, and accountability needed to securely deploy and manage AI technologies.
The framework addresses issues ranging from AI inventory management and vendor oversight to cybersecurity, privacy, incident response, workforce responsibilities, and board-level governance. It also highlights emerging risks associated with generative and agentic AI systems, including data poisoning, model drift, adversarial attacks, supply chain dependencies, and operational resilience. For healthcare leaders seeking practical guidance on moving AI from pilot projects to enterprise-wide adoption, this framework provides a timely roadmap for balancing innovation, security, compliance, and patient trust.
Medicaid Reform and Healthcare Cost Transparency Remain Legislative Priorities
Healthcare funding and affordability continue to dominate discussions at the North Carolina General Assembly. Earlier this year, lawmakers approved an additional $319 million to address a Medicaid funding shortfall and maintain program stability through the current fiscal year. At the same time, policymakers continue to debate the implementation of federal Medicaid work requirements and exemptions, making Medicaid modernization one of the most consequential healthcare policy issues facing the state.
Lawmakers are also considering proposals aimed at increasing healthcare cost transparency and limiting certain hospital facility fees. These discussions reflect a broader effort to improve affordability for patients while balancing the financial realities facing hospitals and health systems.
Sources:
• https://www.wunc.org/politics/2026-04-28/nc-medicaid-funding-bill-gov-stein
• https://ncnewsline.com/2026/04/30/nc-senate-aims-to-curb-medicaid-costs-and-allow-more-insight-into-hospital-charges/
Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through 2027
Federal policymakers provided welcome certainty for healthcare providers this year by extending key Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027. While not specific to North Carolina, the extension is particularly significant for rural hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), behavioral health providers, and other organizations that have integrated virtual care into their service delivery models.
The extension helps ensure continued reimbursement stability and
supports ongoing investments in telehealth infrastructure, workforce development, and digital care delivery.
Source:
https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/telehealth-policy-updates
Rural Health Transformation Program Update
North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) continues to move from planning into implementation. Healthcare leaders, community organizations, and technology stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the next RHTP Community and Stakeholder Webinar on June 24 from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
During the webinar, representatives from the newly selected NC ROOTS (Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability) Hub Lead organizations will introduce themselves and share updates on implementation efforts designed to improve health outcomes and strengthen healthcare delivery across rural North Carolina.
For healthcare IT professionals, this initiative is particularly important because of its focus on technology-enabled transformation, including digital infrastructure, data sharing, care coordination, telehealth, and
innovation that supports rural healthcare delivery.
As healthcare policy increasingly intersects with technology, North Carolina’s healthcare IT leaders have a critical role to play in shaping the future of care delivery. From Medicaid modernization and telehealth reimbursement to AI governance, cybersecurity, workforce innovation, and rural health transformation, many of today’s most important healthcare policy discussions are ultimately technology discussions. NCHIMSS will continue monitoring these developments and advocating for policies that support innovation, improve access, and strengthen the digital infrastructure that underpins healthcare across North Carolina.
Membership
Want to get more from your HIMSS North Carolina membership? Take advantage of the many opportunities available through the chapter by participating in upcoming events, educational programs, networking opportunities, and special interest groups.
Be sure to regularly check the chapter’s Events Calendar to stay informed about what’s happening throughout the year. https://nchimss.com/events-calendar/
Looking for a way to become more involved? Explore our volunteer opportunities and programs to connect with fellow healthcare IT professionals, develop new skills, expand your network, and help shape the future of healthcare technology in North Carolina. https://nchimss.com/programs/
Your membership is more than access—it’s an opportunity to engage, contribute, and grow within a vibrant professional community.
News
- How surviving leukemia changed Duke Health CEO’s approach to patient care
- Duke Health CEO: ‘Research is our key differentiator’
- Humans aren’t great at identifying ADHD. But AI is
- Novant Health introduces “Aubrey,” a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence
- NC-STeP Pediatric Program receives national recognition for advancing pediatric mental health care
- Cone Health Plans Hospital in Forsyth County
- Cape Fear Valley Health Announces Opening of New Community Mental Health Center in Dunn
Social Media
These are the platforms where the HIMSS North Carolina Chapter actively shares updates, events, and announcements. If you’re not already following us, use the links below to stay connected.
Chapter Sponsor Highlights
How do these sponsors support healthcare IT?
SMG3Rx applies proven supply chain and mobility management expertise to healthcare, helping hospitals and clinicians improve patient care through innovative clinical mobility solutions. By focusing on the end-user experience and leveraging advanced mobile device management strategies, SMG3Rx delivers solutions that enhance efficiency, support better patient outcomes, and keep mobile healthcare environments running smoothly—allowing clinicians to focus on what matters most: their patients.
XenTegra is a global IT solutions advisor and reseller specializing in digital workspace and cloud technologies. The company helps organizations create secure, user-centric work environments accessible from any device or location. Through expert guidance, education, and implementation support, XenTegra empowers clients to accelerate digital transformation and achieve their business goals with innovative technology solutions.
Secure Your Sponsorship Spot for the
2026-2027 Chapter Year!
Promote your products and services to more than 1,700 healthcare IT professionals across North Carolina through our sponsorship opportunities.
HIMSS North Carolina is dedicated to advancing healthcare through technology, education, networking, and advocacy. Our diverse membership includes healthcare executives, clinical leaders, IT professionals, consultants, vendors, and students from hospitals, health systems, universities, and organizations across the state.
Sponsorship provides valuable visibility with key decision-makers and healthcare leaders while supporting the chapter’s mission to deliver high-quality educational programs and networking opportunities. Multiple sponsorship levels are available to fit your organization’s goals
Secure a sponsorship spot for NC HIMSS events for the 2026-2027 year! Click here to Become a Sponsor – North Carolina HIMSS (nchimss.org). For questions, please contact McRay Simmons.