In the world of healthcare compliance, two terms often come up: HITRUST and HIPAA. While both are critical for ensuring data security and privacy, they serve different purposes and have distinct requirements. Understanding the differences between HITRUST vs HIPAA certification is essential for organizations navigating the complex landscape of healthcare IT compliance. In this blog post, we’ll break down the 7 key differences between these two frameworks, helping you decide which one is right for your organization.

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1. HITRUST vs HIPAA Certification: Purpose and Scope

The first major difference lies in their purpose and scope. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law enacted in 1996 to protect sensitive patient health information. It sets the standard for safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI) and applies to all healthcare providers, insurers, and their business associates.

On the other hand, HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) is not a law but a privately developed framework. It was created to help organizations achieve compliance with multiple regulations, including HIPAA, through a unified approach. The HITRUST framework is more comprehensive, incorporating elements from other standards like ISO 27001, NIST, and PCI-DSS.

While HIPAA is mandatory for covered entities, HITRUST certification is voluntary. However, achieving high trust certification through HITRUST can demonstrate a higher level of commitment to data security.

2. HIPAA Meaning vs HITRUST Meaning: Legal vs Voluntary

The HIPAA meaning is rooted in legal requirements. It’s a U.S. law that mandates specific safeguards for PHI. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. HIPAA’s primary focus is on privacy and security, with its two main rules: the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule.

In contrast, the HITRUST meaning is more about providing a scalable and certifiable framework for organizations to manage risk and compliance. It’s not a legal requirement but is often adopted by organizations looking to streamline compliance efforts and gain a competitive edge.

3. Flexibility and Rigor

When it comes to HIPAA requirements, the rules are broad and principle-based. They outline what organizations must do to protect PHI but don’t prescribe specific methods. For example, HIPAA requires organizations to implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards but leaves the “how” up to the organization.

HITRUST requirements, however, are much more detailed and prescriptive. The HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) includes over 200 control specifications, each with specific implementation requirements. This makes HITRUST more rigorous but also more adaptable to different organizational needs.

4. Certification Process

One of the most significant differences is the certification process. HIPAA does not offer a formal certification. Instead, organizations must conduct regular risk assessments, implement safeguards, and document their compliance efforts. There’s no official “HIPAA certification” that proves compliance, though third-party audits can provide assurance.

In contrast, HITRUST certification is a formal process. Organizations undergo a rigorous assessment conducted by a HITRUST-approved assessor. The certification is valid for two years, with interim assessments required to maintain compliance. This formalized process makes HITRUST a more tangible and marketable credential.

5. Scalability: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

HIPAA’s requirements are the same for all covered entities, regardless of size or complexity. While this simplifies compliance for smaller organizations, it can be challenging for larger enterprises with more complex operations.

HITRUST, on the other hand, is highly scalable. The HITRUST framework allows organizations to tailor their compliance efforts based on factors like size, type, and risk profile. This scalability makes HITRUST a popular choice for large healthcare organizations and their business associates.

6. Cost and Resource Investment

Finally, the cost and resource investment required for HIPAA compliance versus HITRUST certification differ significantly. HIPAA compliance can be achieved with minimal costs, especially for smaller organizations. However, the lack of a formal certification process means organizations must invest in ongoing self-assessments and documentation.

HITRUST certification, while more expensive, provides a clear roadmap and formal recognition of compliance. The cost includes the assessment, remediation, and certification fees, but the investment can pay off in terms of reduced risk and enhanced reputation.

7. Using Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions

In today’s healthcare landscape, mobile devices play a critical role in delivering patient care, accessing electronic health records (EHRs), and streamlining workflows. However, the use of mobile devices also introduces significant security risks, especially when handling sensitive patient data. Both HITRUST and HIPAA provide guidelines and frameworks to ensure that mobile device management (MDM) solutions are secure and compliant. Here’s how they relate to MDM:

1. HIPAA and Mobile Device Management

HIPAA’s Security Rule requires covered entities and their business associates to implement safeguards to protect Protected Health Information (PHI) on mobile devices. While HIPAA doesn’t explicitly mandate the use of MDM solutions, it does require organizations to address the following key areas:

• Access Controls: Ensure that only authorized users can access PHI on mobile devices. MDM solutions can enforce strong authentication methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls.
• Encryption: HIPAA requires encryption of PHI both at rest and in transit. MDM solutions can enforce encryption policies on mobile devices, ensuring data is protected even if the device is lost or stolen.
• Remote Wipe and Lock: In the event of a lost or stolen device, MDM solutions enable organizations to remotely wipe or lock the device to prevent unauthorized access to PHI.
• Audit Controls: MDM solutions can log and monitor access to PHI on mobile devices, helping organizations meet HIPAA’s audit control requirements.
• Policies and Training: HIPAA requires organizations to implement policies and train employees on the proper use of mobile devices. MDM solutions can enforce policies like password requirements and app restrictions.

2. HITRUST and Mobile Device Management

The HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) takes a more comprehensive approach to mobile device security. While it incorporates HIPAA requirements, it also integrates controls from other standards like NIST, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS. HITRUST’s framework is particularly valuable for organizations that need to comply with multiple regulations or want to demonstrate a higher level of security maturity.

Here’s how HITRUST relates to MDM solutions:

• Risk Management: HITRUST emphasizes a risk-based approach to security. MDM solutions can help organizations identify and mitigate risks associated with mobile devices, such as unauthorized access or malware.
• Detailed Control Specifications: HITRUST includes specific controls for mobile device security, such as ensuring devices are updated with the latest security patches and restricting the use of unapproved apps. MDM solutions can enforce these controls across all managed devices.
• Third-Party Assurance: HITRUST certification provides third-party validation of an organization’s security practices. By implementing MDM solutions that align with HITRUST controls, organizations can strengthen their certification efforts.
• Scalability: HITRUST’s framework is scalable, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes. MDM solutions can be tailored to meet the specific needs of small clinics or large healthcare systems, ensuring compliance with HITRUST requirements.

Which One is Right for Your Organization?

Choosing between HITRUST and HIPAA depends on your organization’s needs. If you’re a covered entity looking to meet legal requirements, HIPAA compliance is non-negotiable. However, if you’re aiming for a higher standard of data security and want to streamline compliance with multiple regulations, pursuing HITRUST certification may be the better option.

For more insights on IT compliance and certifications, check out these resources:

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• IT Compliance: A Complete Guide
• Top IT Certifications to Boost Your Career
• How Automated Compliance Software Can Simplify Your Life

In conclusion, while both HITRUST and HIPAA aim to protect sensitive health information, they differ in scope, rigor, and certification processes. Understanding these 7 key differences can help you make an informed decision about which framework is right for your organization. Whether you choose HIPAA compliance or pursue high trust certification through HITRUST, the ultimate goal is the same: safeguarding patient data and building trust in the healthcare ecosystem. Navigating the complexities of HIPAA and HITRUST compliance can be challenging, but Trio, our MDM solution, simplifies the process. Our robust security solutions help safeguard patient data, enforce regulatory policies, and streamline compliance management. Stay compliant with confidence—get started with Trio’s free trial today!