Florida Attorney General Takes Legal Action Against Chinese Medical Device Company
Florida’s Republican Attorney General, James Usmiere, has brought legal challenges against Chinese medical device manufacturers this week. He claims these companies are selling “compromised” medical devices, which allegedly include “backdoors” that could be exploited by malicious actors.
One company, Contec Medical Systems Co., Ltd., has received a subpoena from the state’s Attorney General’s office. This company operates a sales division within Florida.
In a press release, Uthmeier outlined the legal action and pointed to potential cybersecurity threats. He accuses Contec of violating state consumer protection laws and claims there is evidence that it produces patient health monitoring devices in the U.S.
The device under scrutiny, known as the CMS800, has been flagged by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its vulnerabilities.
Uthmeier’s press release states, “The issue includes a ‘backdoor’ that allows bad actors to manipulate the data they see on devices without the knowledge of the patient or provider. It automatically sends patient information to an IP address owned by a university in China.” He further noted that the FBI has warned that hackers are targeting the American healthcare system, urging federal agencies to recommend disconnecting or disabling these monitors.
Uthmeier also expressed concerns over how Contec and its products could misrepresent their adherence to FDA standards and those of other international bodies.
Additionally, he has accused Epsimed, a Miami-based distributor of Contec products, of misrepresenting the devices as their own.
“The CCP’s land ownership is troubling, but this is just the beginning. Their industrial property holdings pose equal challenges, potentially infiltrating critical infrastructure and government systems,” remarked Michael Lucci, Founder and CEO of State Armor Action.
Amidst this, a subpoena was also issued to Epsimed, with Uthmeier highlighting that although Contec and Epsimed claim their devices meet safety standards, they contain backdoors that transmit patient data to China.
Attempts by Fox News Digital to contact Contec for a comment went unreturned.
On the other hand, Epsimed’s CEO, Jose Mena, acknowledged the receipt of the subpoena and asserted he is cooperating fully. “We don’t sell these monitors in the U.S. Our clientele is located in Latin America,” he clarified.
He mentioned that the monitors are seldom connected to the internet, adding, “For these devices to pose any threats via internet connectivity, they would need to have a central surveillance system in place, which has never been provided. Thus, the monitors sold by Epsimed are being utilized independently and not linked to the internet.”
Uthmeier’s legal action marks a primary move in a broader campaign that could result in civil penalties or injunctive relief for affected businesses. Notably, this comes shortly after warnings from Chinese experts about potential vulnerabilities presented by Chinese companies.
Concerns regarding China’s increasing control over land and assets in the U.S. are being voiced by officials from both parties, especially in light of the rising tensions that could lead to conflict between the economic superpowers.
Lucci emphasizes, “The U.S. must take this threat seriously; otherwise, we risk losing the war,” aiming to ensure action against national security risks posed by foreign entities.
