How HITRUST Helps Organizations With Protected Health Information (PHI)

From strengthening and identifying gaps in a security posture to helping ensure compliance with a multitude of regulations and frameworks, HITRUST is a one-stop shop for organizations with healthcare data.

In today’s rapidly changing world of technology, organizations of all sizes face constant IT security and compliance challenges. From standards to meet and frameworks to operate within, it’s an ongoing effort that demands attention and resources.

Unique Compliance Needs of Organizations Handling PHI

Organizations in possession of Protected Health Information (PHI) or other types of sensitive healthcare-related data have a particularly high number of compliance and regulatory issues to contend with. Oftentimes requests for the completion of security assessments, questionnaires, and other due diligence activities are required by customers upon onboarding and on an annual basis. The continuous need for assessments can strain budgets and create scheduling conflicts, which can become a recurring source of frustration.

Introducing HITRUST: A Comprehensive Solution for Data Protection

HITRUST, an acronym for Health Information Trust Alliance, is an organization that is solely dedicated to assisting companies efficiently manage and safeguard valuable, sensitive data, such as PHI. What sets HITRUST apart is the Common Security Framework (CSF), which serves as a guideline for organizations seeking an in-depth and respected security certification. By adopting the HITRUST CSF, organizations can satisfy over 50 major security and privacy-related standards, regulations, and frameworks – including HIPAA, NIST, PCI DSS, GDPR, and ISO 27001 – making it a potential one-stop solution.

Undoubtedly, opting to become HITRUST certified can significantly enhance an organization’s security posture. A HITRUST assessment not only assists in identifying any existing gaps in the current security controls, it also helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and standards. Furthermore, by performing a HITRUST assessment, organizations can save valuable resources, time, and money. Additionally, they can establish themselves as a trusted and reliable business partner with current and potential clients. The HITRUST certification process provides a great opportunity to set organizations apart from their competition.

Preparing for HITRUST Certification

The process of pinpointing any gaps in an organization’s current security controls is conducted with a thorough readiness assessment. This consists of a meticulous process that enables an organization to gain a complete and comprehensive understanding of its current controls and ensures alignment with compliance and regulatory requirements. This readiness assessment is conducted before the HITRUST validated assessment, allowing organizations to fully comprehend and meet the expected standards.

Key Benefits of a HITRUST Assessment

In short, the benefits of a HITRUST assessment cannot be understated:

• Helps organizations enhance their security programs
• Offers a wide-range of customizable controls that align with an organization’s risk profile and regulatory obligations
• Enables organizations to identify any existing gaps through its comprehensive readiness assessment
• Helps provide accountability to compliance by integrating requirements from multiple regulations and frameworks
• Provides a holistic approach to security

Ready To Take the Next Step?

HITRUST can be complicated, but KSM’s team of advisors can help you clearly understand the process, identify your risks and gaps, and keep the certification process moving forward. Contact us today, and let’s get started.