Cybersecurity Toolkit for Rural Hospitals and Clinics

Ransomware and cybercrime are growing threats to all health care facilities – big or small. Protecting a facility from cyber threats can be a daunting task. However, failure to protect a facility from cyberattacks can result in fees, fines, litigation, media stories, mistrust, and decreased market capture. Check out the following updated Cybersecurity Toolkit and ongoing coalition focused on rural health information technology (HIT).

This updated toolkit from the National Rural Health Resource Center (The Center) is organized into four steps to guide rural hospitals and clinics in developing and fostering a well-rounded cybersecurity program, including awareness, assessment, implementation & remediation, and education. This toolkit includes resources from various governmental and non-profit organizations. It also includes checklists and tools that are appropriate for all audiences, including hospitals and clinics in rural settings. This resource was supported by FORHP.

National Rural Health Information Technology Coalition

The National Rural Health Information Technology (HIT) Coalition is an informal network of rural and HIT leaders from organizations at every level, working together to advance the implementation of HIT across rural America by:

• Enhancing the understanding of rural HIT issues.
• Advocating for HIT applications and solutions relevant to rural facilities.
• Helping to drive knowledge and information about rural HIT throughout the country.

The National Rural HIT Coalition meets by conference call and annually in-person. The Coalition is supported by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) and coordinated by TASC, a program of The Center. This group will next meet on May 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Time for an update on state and federal HIT legislation and regulations as well as COVID-19 HIT updates related to telehealth, the FCC Connected Care Pilot and Rural Health Care programs, and cybersecurity. For more information about getting involved with the National Rural HIT Coalition, please email Nicole Clement.