Governor Greg Abbott released a letter on March 9 directing state health agencies and public university systems in Texas to review their cybersecurity and procurement policies regarding medical equipment manufactured in the People’s Republic of China. The directive aims to protect Texans from potential data breaches involving personal medical information.
The issue is significant because recent federal notices have highlighted vulnerabilities in Chinese-manufactured patient monitoring devices, raising concerns about unauthorized access to protected health information. Governor Abbott said, “Maintaining Texans’ physical security and protecting their personal privacy, especially personal medical data, is of paramount importance. I will not let Communist China spy on Texans. State-owned medical facilities must ensure there are safeguards in place to protect Texans’ private medical data and our critical medical infrastructure.”
In January, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings about security flaws that could allow remote access by unauthorized actors. These findings support expert concerns about the widespread use of smart medical devices made in China within the U.S. healthcare system.
Governor Abbott has previously taken steps against foreign cyber threats. He directed certain technologies be added to the state’s Prohibited Technology list, signed legislation banning hostile foreign adversaries from purchasing land in Texas, created the Texas Cyber Command, and issued executive orders GA-47, GA-48, and GA-49 targeting threats from Communist China.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to job growth and record employment levels in Texas. The office maintains its primary location at the State Insurance Building in Austin according to official sources. TIME listed Greg Abbott among its 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to official sources. The governor’s priorities include job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to official sources. Abbott has led the office since his election in 2014 according to official sources, exercising authority statewide across Texas according to official sources.
