Houchin Introduces Bipartisan Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act 

Cyberattacks place patient care, medical records, and critical healthcare infrastructure at risk

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA-08) recently introduced the bipartisan Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act.

The legislation aims to strengthen cybersecurity at rural hospitals by directing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a comprehensive rural hospital cybersecurity workforce strategy, expand cybersecurity training resources, and improve preparedness against growing cyber threats.  

"Rural hospitals are often operating with limited staff and resources, yet they're expected to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks," said Rep. Houchin. "When a rural hospital is forced offline, patient care is put at risk. This bipartisan bill is a practical step toward giving rural providers the workforce, training, and tools they need to strengthen their cybersecurity and continue serving their communities." 

The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act requires HHS to: 

• Develop a comprehensive rural hospital cybersecurity workforce development strategy that considers public-private partnerships, cybersecurity curricula, workforce training, and policy recommendations.  
• Make instructional materials available to help rural hospitals train staff on fundamental cybersecurity practices.  
• Provide annual updates to Congress on the implementation of the strategy and any related workforce development initiatives.  

Cyberattacks against hospitals have become more frequent and more sophisticated, placing patient care, medical records, and critical healthcare infrastructure at risk. Rural hospitals are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the resources to recruit and retain dedicated cybersecurity professionals. 

The legislation is endorsed by the American Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, National Rural Health Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, TRIMEDX, and the Alliance for Quality Medical Device Servicing. 

Read the full bill text here.