Cape News

U.S. Senators Josh Hawley, Maggie Hassan, and Mark Kelly have reintroduced the Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act. This bipartisan bill instructs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a comprehensive strategy to address the increasing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals in rural hospitals. The goal is to improve cybersecurity preparedness and build a workforce capable of protecting these critical infrastructures from cyber threats. The legislation previously passed unanimously out of a Senate committee.

Senator Hawley emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Nearly half of the hospitals in my state are rural. I grew up in a town of 4,000 people—I have lived this firsthand. Congress must take action to shore up the ability of small-town hospitals to protect working Americans’ health records from debilitating cyberattacks.”

Senator Hassan highlighted the risks associated with cyberattacks on hospitals: “Cyberattacks on hospitals can put at risk people’s medical information, and also sometimes shut the hospital down as it recovers, putting lifesaving care at risk.” She added that this bipartisan legislation is crucial for ensuring rural hospitals have necessary resources and training.

Senator Kelly noted that rural hospitals are often underfunded and vulnerable to cyber threats: “Rural hospitals are on the frontlines of care for so many Arizonans, but too often they’re underfunded and overexposed to cyber threats that can jeopardize patient safety." He cited an incident in Yuma where a ransomware attack disrupted operations.

The act requires HHS to develop a comprehensive strategy that includes public-private partnerships, curriculum development, training resources, policy recommendations, instructional materials for staff training on fundamental cybersecurity measures, and annual reports to congressional committees about progress made.