ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13507Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13507

Establishment of the White House Office of Health Reform

This executive order establishes a White House Office of Health Reform within the Executive Office of the President to lead and coordinate the Administration's comprehensive health care reform agenda, and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a corresponding office within HHS. The offices are tasked with policy coordination across agencies, public outreach, state and local collaboration, and monitoring implementation of the President's health reform goals.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 17071

Key directives

  • Establish White House Office of Health Reform within Executive Office of the President
  • HHS Secretary shall establish Office of Health Reform within Department of Health and Human Services
  • Each executive department and agency shall designate a liaison as requested by Director
  • All executive departments and agencies shall cooperate and provide information, support, and assistance as requested

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • White House Office of Health Reform established
  • HHS directed to establish corresponding Office of Health Reform
  • agency liaisons to be designated as requested

Near term (90d)

  • coordination structures with Domestic Policy Council, NEC, CEA, OMB, OPM expected to form
  • strategic initiatives development begins
  • public outreach activities coordination begins

Long term

  • ongoing monitoring of health reform implementation
  • potential structural changes to healthcare delivery system
  • integration of health reform policy across federal government

Risks & tensions

  • No appropriations guaranteed—implementation 'subject to the availability of appropriations' creates funding uncertainty
  • Dual office structure (White House and HHS) could create authority tensions without clear hierarchical resolution
  • 'To the extent permitted by law' qualifiers appear throughout, limiting enforceability
  • No specific metrics or timelines for 'monitoring implementation,' making accountability vague
Executive Order 13507: Establishment of the White House Office of Health Reform · Executive Orders