Washington, D.C. (September 26, 2024) – A new alert from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is cautioning the healthcare industry to beware of the Russian ransomware group “Everest.” According to the American Hospital Association, Everest hacks into healthcare systems through credential theft, sells patient data to criminal organizations, and facilitates the disruption of essential healthcare services.
“The healthcare industry is facing more cybersecurity threats than ever, which is why we must protect Americans’ access to printed patient medication information. No patient in America should lose access to the instructions and information they need to take their prescriptions safely because of a cyberattack,” said PPLA Board Chairman Dave Joesten.
Healthcare cyberattacks on pharmacies compromise private records and disrupt care, underscoring the importance of maintaining access to printed versions of medication information. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is attempting to push all medication information online, which would make essential health resources more vulnerable to cyberattacks like the Everest ransomware hacks.
A bipartisan coalition in Congress is working to protect printed medication information. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Jared Golden (D-ME), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), and Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act (H.R. 1173) to ensure that all Americans receive printed, accessible Patient Medication Information at the pharmacy.
The Pharmaceutical Printed Literature Association
Chartered in 2001, the PPLA serves as the voice for our members, advocating for patient safety and risk communication by fighting to keep information on paper and readily accessible for patients and caregivers. This information helps drive the patient involvement model of health care, helping patients get the maximum benefits from the powerful drugs they take while minimizing risk.
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