HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) is a third-party organization that provides a framework for information security and privacy for the healthcare industry. The HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) is a set of standards and guidelines that organizations can use to protect sensitive patient information, including electronic protected health information (ePHI). Organizations that are HITRUST certified have been independently verified to have the appropriate controls and processes in place to safeguard ePHI. Not sure where to start with HITRUST compliance? Learn more about IARM’s HITRUST readiness offerings and get a guide to all the ins and outs of the certification process.
If your organization is considering HITRUST certification, it’s important to be prepared for the assessment process. Here are some steps you can take to identify gaps in your current information security controls and develop a Hitrust Readiness plan to address them.
Review the HITRUST CSF: The first step in preparing for a HITRUST assessment is to review the HITRUST CSF and understand the requirements. The CSF includes detailed controls and requirements that must be met in order to achieve certification. This will give you an idea of what areas your organization needs to focus on in order to be compliant.
Perform a gap analysis: Once you have a good understanding of the HITRUST CSF requirements, you’ll need to perform a gap analysis to determine where your organization currently stands in terms of compliance. This involves comparing your current information security controls to the HITRUST CSF requirements and identifying any gaps that need to be addressed.
Develop a plan: After identifying gaps in your information security controls, you’ll need to develop a plan to address them. This plan should include specific steps that your organization will take to bring your controls into compliance with the HITRUST CSF. Be sure to include timelines for each step, as well as the resources (such as personnel and budget) that will be required.
Implement the plan: Once the plan is developed, it’s time to start implementing it. Make sure you have the necessary personnel and budget in place to carry out the plan, and that everyone understands their role and responsibilities. This can include updating policies and procedures, implementing new controls, and conducting training for employees.
Regularly review and update the plan: As your organization continues to implement the plan, you’ll need to regularly review and update it as needed. The HITRUST CSF requirements may change over time, and your organization’s information security controls may need to be updated as well. It’s important to keep track of these changes and make sure your organization stays compliant.
By following these steps, your organization can prepare for a HITRUST assessment and be on the path to achieving certification. Remember to also consider using a HITRUST Assessor service to help during the process. And in addition, Keep monitoring the HITRUST official website for recent updates and changes for the HITRUST CSF requirements. Contact a HITRUST compliance expert today and start developing a plan to achieve compliance.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward HITRUST certification, schedule a consultation with one of our experts today
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