From Cyberattacks to Enhancing Healthcare Security: Deputy Secretary Palm’s Address at AHA Annual Meeting

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

Palm emphasized that the cyberattack served as a learning experience, highlighting that such attacks are a matter of when, not if. In January, HHS released cybersecurity performance goals for the healthcare sector, and Palm outlined plans to assist hospitals and health systems in implementing best practices to safeguard patient information and hospital networks. She stressed the importance of supporting rural hospitals that may lack the resources to achieve these goals independently.

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

Palm concluded by expressing her commitment to collaborating with attendees to enhance the health and well-being of individuals across the country. She acknowledged the ongoing work ahead and encouraged cooperation to strengthen cybersecurity in the healthcare sector.