The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that it is seeking paper submissions on the topic of blockchain technology and its potential uses in the healthcare industry.

A notice which was filed on July 6 and scheduled to be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, stated the requirements and registration for “Blockchain and Its Emerging Role in Healthcare and Health-related Research”.

The White Paper has to be 10 pages in length and a research individual or a group should not submit more than three papers. The paper should comply with general instructions like it should not use HHS’ or Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)’s logos or official seals and the solution paper will be disqualified if it fails to provide accurate of incomplete information.

The objective of the notice by Karen DeSalvo, national coordinator for Health Information Technology is to solicit White Papers that investigate the relationship between blockchain technology and its use in Health IT and/or Health-Related research.

“The paper should discuss the cryptography and underlying fundamentals of blockchain technology, examine how the use of blockchain can advance industry interoperability needs, expressed in the Nationwide Interoperability Roadmap, patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR), precision medicine, and other health care delivery needs, as well as provide recommendations for blockchain’s implementation,” the notice stated.

The last date for submitting the paper is on 29 July and the winners will be announced on 20 August. Up to eight submissions may be selected as winners. These winners will be fully sponsored and invited to present their papers at an upcoming industry-wide workshop - “Blockchain & Healthcare Workshop” which will be co-hosted by ONC and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Willing participants can access to www.challenge.gov and search for the section “Blockchain and Its Emerging Role in Healthcare and Health-related Research.” All the submissions will be posted on the challenge website and will be reviewed, graded, and voted by a steering committee.