Governor Greg Abbott released a letter on March 9 directing Texas state agencies and state-owned medical facilities to address potential cybersecurity concerns related to medical equipment manufactured in the People’s Republic of China. The directive instructs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Department of State Health Services, and public university systems to review their cybersecurity and procurement policies to protect Texans from possible data breaches involving their medical information.
The issue is significant because it involves safeguarding personal privacy and critical infrastructure in the healthcare sector. “Maintaining Texans’ physical security and protecting their personal privacy, especially personal medical data, is of paramount importance,” Abbott said. “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, federal agencies including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued notices about security vulnerabilities found in Chinese-manufactured patient monitoring devices. These vulnerabilities could allow unauthorized actors remote access to protected health information, confirming expert warnings about risks posed by smart medical devices made in China.
Abbott has previously taken steps aimed at countering threats from foreign adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party. He directed that certain technologies be added to the state’s Prohibited Technology list, signed legislation banning hostile foreign entities from purchasing land in Texas, created the Texas Cyber Command for cybersecurity defense, and issued executive orders GA-47, GA-48, and GA-49 addressing these concerns.
According to the official website, 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. In 2024, Abbott was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People according to official records. His administration has focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to official statements. Abbott has led the governor’s office since his election in 2014 according to official records, exercising authority statewide across Texas according to official sources.
The broader implications of this directive may affect how state agencies evaluate technology procurement going forward as they seek stronger protections against cyber threats linked with foreign-made equipment.
