Deputy Secretary Palm Addresses AHA Membership Meeting on Healthcare Access, Cybersecurity and Vigilance

During the AHA Annual Membership Meeting, Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm from the Department of Health and Human Services spoke to attendees about the Administration’s efforts to improve access to healthcare and increase health insurance coverage. She also discussed the recent Change Healthcare cyberattack and the future of cybersecurity.

Palm emphasized that the cyberattack was a learning experience, stressing that such attacks are inevitable. In January, HHS released cybersecurity performance goals for the healthcare sector, and Palm outlined plans to help hospitals and health systems implement best practices to protect patient information and hospital networks. She highlighted the importance of supporting rural hospitals that may not have the resources to achieve these goals on their own.

Although the worst of the cyberattack on Change Healthcare may have passed, Palm assured attendees that HHS would continue to support hospitals and health systems in their recovery efforts. She emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness in light of future attacks, viewing this incident as an opportunity to learn and improve cybersecurity measures.

Palm concluded by expressing her commitment to working with attendees to enhance the health and well-being of individuals across the country. She acknowledged the challenges ahead but encouraged collaboration to strengthen cybersecurity in the healthcare sector.