West OC Times

Reps. Michelle Steel (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and David Trone (D-MD) introduced the Strengthening Cybersecurity in Health Care Act on May 15, 2024. This bipartisan, bicameral bill aims to counter the recent surge in cybersecurity attacks against American health care systems. It mandates the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General to consistently evaluate the Department’s cybersecurity systems and report its findings to Congress. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Angus King (I-ME) lead the Senate companion bill.

“American patients deserve to know their sensitive health data is protected from bad actors, whether they are domestic fraudsters or foreign adversaries,” said Rep. Steel. “The alarming increase in cyber-attacks on American health systems requires immediate attention, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for joining me in this effort to ensure American patients get the care they need without having their data compromised.”

"Cyberattacks against U.S. health care systems are on the rise," said Rep. Schiff. "These attacks can cripple hospitals and doctors' offices, impacting patients' access to care and imposing a significant financial burden on health care providers.” He further added that their Act mandates a crucial review and supports enhancement of security measures by HHS.

“As a physician in Congress, I understand how critical it is to protect U.S. healthcare systems and patient information from malevolent actors,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks.

Rep. Ryan emphasized that malicious actors globally are increasingly putting Americans’ sensitive health information at risk, while Rep Spanberger highlighted that as threats grow increasingly complex, stakes for patient care and safety are incredibly high.

"Recent attacks on health care systems have made it clear that strengthening our cybersecurity must be a top priority to safeguard personal health information and protect access to care,” said Rep. Pappas.

Senator King stated, “This threat to America’s critical infrastructure is real, and could literally mean the difference between life and death – we must take proactive steps to enhance the cybersecurity of our healthcare and public health sectors."

The full text of the bill is available for further review.