Senators Introduce Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity Standards in Health Care Facilities

Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act to bolster cybersecurity in the U.S. health care system. This legislation follows a surge of cyberattacks targeting hospitals and health care infrastructure, which have compromised patient privacy and disrupted care delivery.

If adopted, the bill would mandate the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish stringent cybersecurity standards for health care providers, health plans, clearinghouses and business associates. The legislation also eliminates current caps on fines under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to better enforce these standards and includes provisions for additional funding to help rural and low-resource hospitals meet these requirements.

AABB is currently reviewing the legislation and will update members as it progresses.