US Republican Senator Rick Scott has called for federal healthcare funds to be barred from being used to purchase medical devices manufactured by Chinese companies. He said hospitals and clinics receiving Medicare, Medicaid or other federal funding should be prohibited from buying such equipment.
Scott also called for Chinese-made medical devices to be phased out of healthcare facilities that receive federal funding. He further proposed making the theft or espionage of Americans’ medical data by foreign actors a criminal offence.
The senator cited cybersecurity concerns involving internet-connected medical equipment, warning that compromised devices could expose sensitive patient information and hospital networks to cyber threats.
Scott pointed to vulnerabilities identified in the China-made Contec CMS8000 patient monitor. The device is used to display vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and electrocardiogram readings, and US authorities have previously warned about cybersecurity risks associated with the monitor.
The proposal reflects growing concerns among US lawmakers over the security of connected medical devices and the potential risks to patient privacy, healthcare infrastructure and national security.
