Sen. Young, others introduce bill to improve cybersecurity in health care

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – U.S. Senator Todd Young, among others, introduced the bipartisan Healthcare Cybersecurity Act to bolster the health care and public health sectors’ cybersecurity in light of recent cyberattacks.

Officials from Sen. Young’s office say earlier this year, the health care sector faced a ransomware attack on the health payment platform Change Healthcare, which they say highlighted the lack of preparation and training during the recovery process.

“In recent years, hospitals and other health care facilities in Indiana and across America have experienced a dramatic increase in cyberattacks,” said Sen. Young. “Our bipartisan bill will take critical steps to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and better protect patients’ personal data.”

Officials say more specifically, the Healthcare Cybersecurity Act will direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate on improving cybersecurity and make resources available to non-federal entities relating to cyber threat indicators and appropriate defense measures. The legislation would also create a special liaison to HHS within CISA to coordinate during cybersecurity incidents and collaborate to support health care and public health sector entities.

The legislation can be viewed below.

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