The HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) framework is designed to provide organizations with a comprehensive, flexible, and efficient approach to regulatory compliance and risk management. The framework harmonizes various regulatory requirements and best practices, creating a single, unified standard that ensures the protection of sensitive health information. HITRUST covers a wide range of security and privacy controls, helping organizations manage and mitigate risks effectively. By implementing the HITRUST framework, organizations can ensure they meet stringent security requirements, maintain regulatory compliance, and protect patient data from potential threats. This framework is particularly useful for healthcare organizations, providing them with the necessary tools and guidance to build a robust information security management program.
| Control Category | Control | Description | Implementation Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Security Management | Information Security Management Program | Establish and maintain an information security management program. | Develop a comprehensive ISMP that includes policies, procedures, and standards for managing information security. |
| Information Security Policy | Develop, approve, and communicate an information security policy. | Ensure the policy defines the scope, objectives, and enforcement mechanisms for information security. | |
| Risk Management | Risk Assessment | Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate risks. | Use standardized risk assessment tools and methodologies to evaluate and manage risks. |
| Risk Management Plan | Develop and implement a risk management plan based on assessment findings. | Create a risk management plan that outlines strategies for mitigating identified risks. | |
| Compliance | Legal and Regulatory Requirements | Identify and document applicable legal and regulatory requirements. | Conduct a thorough review to identify and document relevant legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements. |
| Compliance Monitoring and Reporting | Monitor and report compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. | Implement monitoring and auditing processes to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. | |
| Incident Management | Incident Response Plan | Develop and implement an incident response plan. | Ensure the incident response plan includes detection, response, and recovery procedures for security incidents. |
| Incident Reporting and Notification | Establish procedures for reporting and notifying incidents. | Define protocols for timely reporting and notification of security incidents to relevant stakeholders. | |
| Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery | Business Continuity Planning | Develop and maintain a business continuity plan (BCP). | Ensure the BCP includes strategies for maintaining operations during and after disruptions. |
| Disaster Recovery Planning | Develop and maintain a disaster recovery plan (DRP). | Create a DRP that includes procedures for restoring critical IT systems and data after a disruption. | |
| Access Control | Access Control Policy | Establish an access control policy to manage user access. | Develop and enforce an access control policy that defines access permissions and procedures for granting and revoking access. |
| User Access Management | Implement processes for managing user access to systems and data. | Use automated tools for user provisioning, de-provisioning, and access reviews. | |
| Privileged Access Management (PAM) | Control and monitor privileged access to critical systems. | Use PAM solutions to manage, monitor, and audit privileged accounts and access. | |
| Data Protection and Privacy | Data Encryption | Implement encryption to protect data at rest and in transit. | Use encryption technologies to safeguard sensitive data stored on physical media and transmitted over networks. |
| Data Classification and Handling | Classify and handle data based on its sensitivity and criticality. | Develop a data classification scheme and handling procedures to protect sensitive information. | |
| Privacy Policies and Procedures | Develop and enforce privacy policies to protect personal data. | Ensure privacy policies cover the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data in compliance with relevant laws. | |
| Physical Security | Physical Security Controls | Implement controls to secure physical access to facilities and systems. | Use physical security measures such as access cards, biometric scanners, and surveillance cameras. |
| Environmental Controls | Protect systems and data from environmental hazards. | Implement measures to safeguard systems and data from fire, flooding, and other environmental threats. | |
| Network Security | Network Security Controls | Deploy controls to secure network infrastructure and communications. | Use firewalls, intrusion detection /prevention systems (IDPS), and secure network protocols. |
| Secure Network Configuration | Maintain a secure configuration for network devices and systems. | Regularly review and update network configurations to ensure security. | |
| Monitoring and Logging | Security Monitoring and Event Logging | Implement monitoring and logging for critical systems and activities. | Use centralized logging solutions to capture and analyze security events and activities. |
| Continuous Monitoring | Continuously monitor security controls and the environment for changes. | Deploy continuous monitoring tools to detect and respond to security incidents in real time. | |
| Training and Awareness | Security Awareness Training | Provide regular security awareness training for all employees. | Develop and deliver training programs on security policies, procedures, and best practices. |
| Role-Based Training | Offer specialized training for employees with specific security responsibilities. | Provide targeted training for roles such as IT staff, developers, and incident responders. | |
| Vendor and Third-Party Management | Third-Party Risk Management | Assess and manage risks associated with third-party relationships. | Conduct due diligence, risk assessments, and continuous monitoring of third-party vendors. |
| Third-Party Security Requirements | Define and enforce security requirements for third parties. | Include security clauses in contracts and perform regular audits of third-party compliance. |