Kalamazoo Times

Criminals are using unlawful robocalls to interfere with hospital operations in a multitude of ways that can disrupt important communications, compromise patients’ personal information and gain unauthorized access to prescription drugs, according to a release on Michigan.gov.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently heard recommendations from the Hospital Robocall Protection Group (HRPG) and the Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office on how hospitals can better protect themselves from unlawful robocalls.

“Under my administration, Michigan has been a national leader in responding to illegal robocalls and I am proud of the role my office has had in creating best-practices guidelines for hospitals, governments and voice service providers,” Nessel said. “These guidelines will strengthen the protection for hospitals from robocalls that interfere with their operations. I am committed to keeping Michigan at the forefront as our nation continues to develop appropriate measures and protocols to fight this persistent issue.” 

The HRPG recommended a coordinated response from hospitals, phone companies, telecom carriers and government agencies and presented a report to the FCC containing a framework of best practices to prevent unlawful robocalls from being made to hospitals. 

Visitors can find the report online at the HRPG website.