The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) is an organization that, in collaboration with the healthcare, technology, and information security sectors, developed the HITRUST CSF. This comprehensive and certifiable framework integrates various standards and regulations to help organizations manage and safeguard sensitive data effectively.

The HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) is a cybersecurity framework designed to assist organizations in meeting regulatory compliance and risk management requirements when handling sensitive and regulated data.

It consolidates controls from multiple standards, including HIPAA, ISO, and NIST, providing a unified approach to information security and compliance.

A HITRUST certification demonstrates an organization's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of information security, which can enhance its reputation and provide a competitive edge. This certification is widely recognized across various industries, primarily in healthcare, as the gold standard for security, compliance, and risk management.

In short, HITRUST offers a robust framework that assists organizations in navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance and risk management, thereby safeguarding sensitive information and building trust with stakeholders.

Undergoing HITRUST assessment and proving compliance offers several significant advantages for your organization:​

• Enhanced Data Security: Implementing the HITRUST CSF helps protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, reducing the risk of data breaches and associated financial penalties. ​
• Streamlined Regulatory Compliance: The HITRUST framework harmonizes multiple regulatory standards, simplifying the compliance process and reducing the complexity of managing various requirements. ​
• Improved Third-Party Risk Management: HITRUST risk management provides a standardized methodology for assessing the security posture of third-party vendors, ensuring they meet your organization’s security requirements and reducing supply chain risks.
• Competitive Advantage: Achieving HITRUST certification demonstrates a commitment to information security, enhancing your organization’s reputation and providing a competitive edge in the marketplace.
• Continuous Improvement: The HITRUST security framework encourages ongoing assessment and updates, helping organizations stay ahead of emerging threats and regulatory changes.

Incorporating HITRUST compliance into your organization’s operations not only strengthens your security posture but also fosters trust among clients and partners, ultimately supporting business growth and resilience.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1996 that mandates standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information. It focuses on upholding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information (PHI) through specific rules:

• Privacy Rule: Establishes national standards for the protection of PHI.​
• Security Rule: Sets standards for securing electronic PHI (ePHI).​
• Breach Notification Rule: Requires covered entities to notify affected individuals and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the event of a breach.​

HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) is a private organization that developed the HITRUST CSF. This comprehensive framework integrates various standards and regulations to assist organizations in managing and safeguarding sensitive data effectively. It incorporates elements from multiple frameworks, including HIPAA, NIST, and ISO, providing a unified approach to information security and compliance. ​

Key Differences:

• Nature: HIPAA is a mandatory federal law for healthcare entities, whereas HITRUST is a voluntary, private framework that incorporates multiple standards to help organizations achieve compliance. ​
• Scope: HIPAA specifically addresses the protection of PHI within the healthcare industry. In contrast, the HITRUST CSF is a certifiable framework that extends beyond healthcare and is applicable to various industries seeking a robust security and compliance program. ​
• Compliance Approach: HIPAA outlines what organizations must do to protect PHI but does not prescribe specific implementation methods, allowing for flexibility based on the organization’s context. Conversely, the HITRUST CSF provides a detailed, prescriptive set of controls and best practices, offering a clear pathway to achieve compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory standards. ​

While HIPAA sets the foundational legal requirements for protecting health information in the U.S., the HITRUST CSF offers a structured framework that organizations can adopt to ensure compliance with HIPAA and other standards, enhancing their overall information security posture.

Achieving HITRUST certification involves a structured process to ensure your organization meets stringent data protection standards.
Aprio’s approach encompasses the following key phases:​

• Readiness Assessment: Aprio initiates the process with a comprehensive readiness assessment, identifying gaps in your current security posture and outlining necessary actions to align with HITRUST CSF requirements. This phase establishes a clear roadmap for your organization to achieve certification readiness.​
• Remediation Planning: Based on the readiness assessment findings, Aprio collaborates with your team to develop a targeted remediation plan. This plan addresses identified gaps and defines the timeline for implementing necessary controls so your organization meets HITRUST standards.​
• CSF Validated Assessment: After completing remediation efforts, Aprio conducts the CSF Validated Assessment (either e1, i1, or r2). This rigorous evaluation verifies that your organization’s security controls are effectively implemented and compliant with the HITRUST framework.​
• Testing & Submission to HITRUST: As an Authorized External Assessor Organization, Aprio performs the validation audit and submits the assessment to HITRUST for review. This step makes sure that all compliance requirements are thoroughly evaluated and documented.​
• HITRUST Quality Assurance & Report Issuance: HITRUST conducts quality assurance procedures upon submission, generating a detailed report. Depending on the assessment scores, HITRUST issues a Letter of Certification, formally recognizing your organization’s adherence to the highest data security standards.​

By following Aprio’s structured process, your organization can efficiently navigate the complexities of HITRUST audit and certification, enhancing data protection and building trust with stakeholders.