ONC Changes: Muntz Leaving, Reider Acting Coordinator

Personnel changes are occurring within the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology as Dr. Farzad Mostashari’s last day on October 5 approaches.

David Muntz, principal deputy national coordinator, also is leaving and wants to return to the private health care sector. Muntz, who was CIO at Baylor Health Care System in Dallas before joining federal service, told Mostashari of the decision to leave several weeks ago but was asked to not announce it until transition plans were complete.

Concurrent with Mostashari and Muntz departing, ONC Chief Information Officer Jacob Reider, M.D., will become acting national coordinator on October 4. Lisa Lewis, currently deputy national coordinator for operations, will serve as acting principal deputy, with Joy Pritts remaining as chief privacy officer.

Muntz has not yet announced his plans. In a letter praising and thanking colleagues, he said, “I look forward to continuing to support HHS’ vision of achieving interoperability and better engaging patients from the private sector. With many wonderful memories and much gratitude, David.”