Emergency Operations & Cybersecurity Plans Critical for Healthcare Facilities

Today’s healthcare facilities face mounting pressures when it comes to managing and recovering from critical incidents. These challenges now extend beyond the ongoing pandemic and natural disasters, with cyberattacks posing a growing threat to both patient care and organizational stability. The ASPR-TRACIE group, dedicated to enhancing healthcare preparedness, has highlighted the widespread impact recent cyberattacks have had on every aspect of facility operations.

Their advice is clear: healthcare organizations, regardless of size, must prioritize cybersecurity measures and ensure that robust plans for cyber incident response are in place. This is where the importance of a well-structured, routinely tested Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) becomes apparent.

Mandated by The Joint Commission, EOPs are designed to address a range of critical events, from natural disasters to cyber incidents, using an “all-hazards” approach. Within the Joint Commission’s Emergency Management Standards, six core elements must be included:

• Communications
• Resources and Assets
• Safety and Security
• Staff Responsibilities
• Utilities
• Clinical Support Activities

By developing a comprehensive EOP that covers these areas, hospitals can better safeguard their operations from emerging threats like cyberattacks. This is crucial as the frequency of such attacks has surged, increasing by as much as 55% between 2019 and 2020, costing healthcare facilities billions. The rise of remote work and telemedicine has only heightened vulnerabilities.

If your healthcare facility hasn’t reviewed its EOP in some time or hasn’t factored in the risks of cyberattacks, now is the time to do so. At Preparis, we recommend taking a collaborative approach that involves all departments—especially IT. This proactive strategy will not only help protect patient data but also preserve your organization’s reputation, quality of care, and financial well-being.