Texas Public Policy Foundation

Dear Commissioner,

We are writing to bring to your attention serious concerns regarding state procurement of medical equipment manufactured or supplied by entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Leading medical and IT experts have consistently raised concerns about the insufficient safeguards against Chinese medical devices and outdated cybersecurity measures, warning that these vulnerabilities could expose hospitals and patients to serious risks of data breaches.

Recently, an investigation found U.S. government funded research labs embedded with medical devices from companies linked to the CCP. Our healthcare system must not become reliant on Chinese-produced medical devices which pose distinct threats to national security, patient data integrity, patient health, and supply chain resilience.

Devices manufactured or controlled by Chinese-state-influenced companies carry national security risks. In January, both the FDA and CISA warned U.S. hospitals of purchased patient monitors with built-in backdoors that could allow unauthorized remote control or data exfiltration. These vulnerabilities, when combined with CCP law requiring companies to assist national intelligence efforts, create a pathway for foreign adversaries to manipulate or monitor equipment in our healthcare system. This is a direct threat to the safety of residents in Texas and the integrity of our critical medical infrastructure.

The risk of personal data exposure is alarming. The FDA identified devices made by Chinese firms that were observed with a backdoor that could transmit patient-identifiable information and protected health information to overseas addresses. We should not allow system flaws that undermine trust in our healthcare system and could expose sensitive data to hostile actors.

The supply chain for medical devices is endangered when Chinese-linked products dominate the market. The Trump Administration opened a national security investigation into medical equipment imports citing risks of foreign control, concentrated sourcing, and potential export restrictions by adversarial nations. If hospitals rely on devices sourced through compromised supply chains, disruptions or foreign retaliation can result in catastrophe. Texas must guard against sudden gaps in access to lifesaving technology. Given these serious concerns, we respectfully request that your office take immediate action:

• Direct state health agencies to adopt stricter performance and cybersecurity standards that prohibit purchase of medical devices from companies linked to the CCP.
• Establish a review process for current contracts and equipment to identify any devices subject to known vulnerabilities or foreign control.
• Collaborate with state legislators to incentivize domestic medical device manufacturing through grant programs or contracts, thereby reducing dependence on the CCP.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and stand ready to support your office’s efforts to secure our medical infrastructure and protect our citizens from foreign threats.

Respectfully,

Greg Sindelar
Chief Executive Officer
Texas Public Policy Foundation