As a trusted technology partner for dental practices, Southridge Technology stays attuned to developments that may impact your operations. Recently, the American Dental Association (ADA) responded to proposed federal legislation that aims to enhance cybersecurity standards across healthcare, including dental practices.
The proposed Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act of 2024 outlines new cybersecurity measures for healthcare providers, including mandatory compliance with minimum standards established by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within two years. While strengthening cybersecurity is essential, the ADA has expressed concerns about the potential burdens this could place on smaller practices.
Key elements of the legislation include:
- Mandatory Annual Audits: Practices would need to undergo independent cybersecurity audits and stress testing to assess readiness for cyber incidents.
- Cost of Compliance: Practices may need to invest in technology upgrades and staff training to meet the new requirements, which could create financial and operational challenges.
- ADA’s Advocacy: The ADA is advocating for specific exemptions for small practices or federal resources to offset implementation costs, aiming to ensure that the legislation supports rather than overburdens smaller providers.
At Southridge Technology, we are committed to helping you navigate these evolving requirements. Whether through upgrading your systems, implementing advanced cybersecurity tools, or providing staff training, we’re here to ensure your practice remains secure and compliant without undue strain.
If you have concerns or questions about how these changes might affect your practice, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can work together to develop a proactive strategy to meet both current and future cybersecurity needs.
