Representatives Houchin and Schrier Introduce Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act
Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08) have introduced the Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at bolstering cybersecurity in rural hospitals. The legislation addresses the unique challenges faced by these facilities, particularly concerning limited staffing and financial resources for cybersecurity. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a comprehensive workforce development strategy. This strategy would identify cybersecurity workforce challenges in rural hospitals, propose mitigation methods, create cybersecurity curricula and resources for educational institutions in rural areas, and foster partnerships between rural hospitals and these institutions. Additionally, HHS would be required to publish free cybersecurity training materials for rural hospital staff within one year of the bill's enactment.
