HIPAA Protection Slides Post-Roe, Healthcare Cybersecurity Under Siege
The President of the United States and multiple Senators are seeking to solidify HIPAA protections post-Roe; meanwhile, the healthcare industry continues to be throttled by cyberattacks and ransomware.
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By - Senators and President Biden are looking to expand and solidify the protections of HIPAA for people seeking reproductive care and abortions after the Supreme Court dismantled Roe v. Wade. In a recent executive order, the Biden Administration explained precisely what steps it plans to take to encourage the protection of reproductive rights.
Protected patient information is threatened on another front as North Korean ransomware attacks target the healthcare industry, and several hospitals find their data compromised.
Senators Ask HHS to Update HIPAA
In the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a pair of Senators have requested that HHS update the HIPAA Privacy Rule to clarify nationwide protections for private health information. Specifically, the Senators seek an update to the rule that would protect patients who received reproductive care and limit sharing of that information. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) expressed worries in their letter to HHS that information may be given to law enforcement agencies in states where abortion was criminalized. READ MORE.
President Biden Issues Reproductive Health Executive Order
Last week, President Biden issued an executive order that takes steps to increase patient privacy and access to reproductive health services. The order engages multiple federal agencies, including the FTC, HHS, and the Office of Civil Rights. Contained in its actions are demands that false information about abortion be addressed, patients’ private information be safeguarded, and equal access to contraception and medication for abortion be provided. READ MORE.
Medicare Fee Schedule Proposed Rule to Cut Physician Reimbursement
The proposed rule for CY 2023 of the Physician Fee Schedule would issue several cuts in an effort to divert reimbursement to ACOs and behavioral healthcare. The rule currently includes a $1.53 decrease in the conversion factor, and more cuts may happen in the coming year. For behavioral health, however, changes in the fee schedule will allow for expanded care teams, including specialists like clinical psychologists and licensed social workers. READ MORE.
North Korean Hackers Target Healthcare Sector
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI released an advisory citing multiple instances of North Korean state-sponsored ransomware attacks against US healthcare entities. The advisory stated that numerous incidents had been reported wherein Maui ransomware was used to steal and encrypt healthcare files. FBI and CISA officials suggested that organizations mandate public key infrastructure and digital certificates of authenticity for all medical devices and systems. Officials also indicated that the pace of ransomware attacks against the healthcare industry would continue to rise as foreign actors target critical industries. READ MORE.
Multiple Hospitals Report Recent Cyberattacks
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, Baton Rouge General, and Southwest Health Center reported recent cyberattacks affecting their patients. Jack Hughston and Baton Rouge General were unsure that protected health information had been accessed. Southwest Health Center notified patients and employees on July 5 and offered those affected free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. READ MORE.
