HHS is working on implementing blockchain technology to track unaccompanied minors in federal custody, according to MeriTalk.
The BUYSMARTER initiative is designed to better monitor unaccompanied minors, tracking the children’s education, healthcare and contact with family. By using blockchain, HHS may be able to more easily track the minors when being transferred between facilities.
In addition to tracking kids, this technology will also help analyze contracts for goods and services throughout the agency. HHS’ new program will use blockchain to make data more actionable. Additionally, by adding artificial intelligence, HHS can analyze 97,000 contracts in mere days.
The blockchain HHS will use will be permissioned, meaning only trusted users can access the decentralized ledger.
It is unclear when the blockchain will be implemented, however, HHS is meeting routinely to adopt the technology.