Three U.S. senators have introduced a bill aimed at alleviating the unceasing number of cyberattacks affecting healthcare.
The Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2024 would strengthen collaboration between HHS and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and provide cybersecurity resources to nonfederal entities.
"The Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2024 represents a critical step forward in safeguarding our nation's healthcare infrastructure," said Chuck Podesta, CIO of Reno, Nev.-based Renown Health, in a July 11 statement. "By fostering collaboration between key federal agencies and providing targeted resources and training to healthcare organizations, this legislation addresses the escalating threats of cyberattacks that jeopardize patient safety and data security."
The bill would create a special liaison at CISA who would coordinate with HHS during healthcare cyberattacks, and direct assistance to information-sharing organizations and other cybersecurity councils and entities to develop healthcare cyberdefenses.