ADHICS Compliance Services
Protect Healthcare Information in Abu Dhabi
Healthcare organizations in Abu Dhabi face escalating cybersecurity threats targeting sensitive patient information, medical records, and critical healthcare systems. Recognizing these risks, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) has established comprehensive cybersecurity requirements through ADHICS (Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standards). ADHICS is the mandatory cybersecurity framework for all healthcare facilities licensed by DoH, providing detailed technical and organizational security controls to protect healthcare information systems and patient data. The framework addresses the unique security challenges facing healthcare organizations including ransomware and malware targeting hospitals, data breaches exposing patient records, insider threats from employees and contractors, medical device security vulnerabilities, third-party vendor risks, business email compromise, and patient data privacy violations. ADHICS establishes 12 comprehensive control domains covering information security governance, risk management, asset management, access control, cryptography, physical security, operations security, communications security, system development security, vendor management, incident management, and business continuity. For healthcare providers, ADHICS compliance involves conducting risk assessments, implementing required security controls, establishing security policies and procedures, deploying technical security measures, training staff on security practices, managing vendor cybersecurity risks, and undergoing annual compliance assessments and audits. At Glocert International, we provide expert ADHICS compliance assessment and implementation services to help Abu Dhabi healthcare providers meet Department of Health requirements. Whether you're a large hospital network or a specialty clinic, our experienced team guides you through ADHICS readiness assessment, gap analysis and remediation planning, security control implementation, policy and procedure development, and annual compliance audits. Partner with Glocert International to achieve ADHICS compliance, meet DoH regulatory requirements, protect patient data and healthcare systems, and build robust cybersecurity resilience in your healthcare organization.
What is ADHICS?
ADHICS (Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standards) is the comprehensive cybersecurity framework established by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) to protect healthcare information systems and patient data. ADHICS is mandatory for all healthcare facilities licensed by DoH in Abu Dhabi, making compliance essential for hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers.
ADHICS was developed in response to increasing cybersecurity threats targeting healthcare organizations globally and specifically in the UAE. The framework recognizes that healthcare organizations hold vast amounts of sensitive patient data, operate critical systems supporting patient care, face unique security challenges from medical devices and legacy systems, and are attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking financial gain or causing disruption.
ADHICS Framework Structure
ADHICS is organized into 12 comprehensive control domains:
- Domain 1: Information Security Governance - Organizational structure, roles, responsibilities, and oversight
- Domain 2: Risk Management - Risk assessment, treatment, monitoring, and reporting
- Domain 3: Asset Management - Inventory, classification, handling, and disposal
- Domain 4: Access Control - User access management, authentication, and authorization
- Domain 5: Cryptography - Encryption, key management, and cryptographic controls
- Domain 6: Physical and Environmental Security - Facility protection and environmental controls
- Domain 7: Operations Security - Operational procedures, change management, and capacity management
- Domain 8: Communications Security - Network security, data transfer, and secure communications
- Domain 9: System Acquisition, Development and Maintenance - Secure development lifecycle and testing
- Domain 10: Supplier Relationships - Third-party risk management and vendor security
- Domain 11: Information Security Incident Management - Incident response, reporting, and recovery
- Domain 12: Business Continuity Management - Continuity planning, disaster recovery, and resilience
Who Must Comply with ADHICS?
ADHICS compliance is mandatory for all healthcare facilities licensed by Department of Health - Abu Dhabi:
- Hospitals: Public and private hospitals providing inpatient and outpatient services
- Clinics: Primary care, specialty clinics, polyclinics, and ambulatory care centers
- Diagnostic Centers: Laboratories, radiology centers, and diagnostic imaging facilities
- Pharmacies: Retail and hospital pharmacies
- Day Surgery Centers: Ambulatory surgical facilities
- Dental Clinics: Dental care providers
- Allied Health Services: Physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and other allied health facilities
- Home Healthcare Providers: Organizations providing care in patient homes
- Telemedicine Providers: Virtual care and telehealth platforms
- Healthcare Support Organizations: Third-party service providers processing healthcare data
Compliance applies to all information systems processing, storing, or transmitting patient health information, including EMR/EHR systems, medical devices, laboratory systems, radiology systems, pharmacy systems, and administrative systems. Healthcare organizations must demonstrate ADHICS compliance during initial licensing, license renewal processes, and periodic DoH audits.
ADHICS Regulatory Authority
ADHICS is governed and enforced by:
- Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH): Primary regulatory authority for healthcare in Abu Dhabi Emirate
- DoH Health Regulation Sector: Oversees compliance monitoring and enforcement
- Abu Dhabi Digital Authority: Collaborates on cybersecurity standards and best practices
- UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority: Provides broader cybersecurity framework context
ADHICS Standards Foundation
ADHICS is aligned with international security standards and frameworks including:
- ISO/IEC 27001: Information security management systems
- ISO/IEC 27002: Information security controls
- ISO 27799: Health informatics - Information security management in health
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework: US cybersecurity framework
- HIPAA Security Rule: US healthcare security standards
- GDPR: European privacy regulation (where applicable)
Why ADHICS Compliance Matters
ADHICS compliance is essential for healthcare organizations operating in Abu Dhabi:
1. Regulatory Requirement and License Maintenance
ADHICS compliance is mandatory for all DoH-licensed healthcare facilities. Department of Health requires demonstration of ADHICS compliance for healthcare facility licensing and operation in Abu Dhabi. Non-compliance can result in serious consequences including regulatory penalties and fines, license suspension or revocation, inability to renew operating license, prohibition on opening new facilities or expanding services, mandatory corrective action plans, increased regulatory scrutiny and inspection frequency, and reputational damage affecting patient trust and referrals. Healthcare facilities must undergo initial ADHICS assessment as part of licensing process and demonstrate ongoing compliance through annual audits and periodic self-assessments. DoH conducts compliance monitoring and has authority to investigate complaints and conduct unannounced inspections.
2. Protection Against Cyber Threats
Healthcare organizations face unique and growing cybersecurity threats:
- Ransomware Attacks: Healthcare is the most targeted sector for ransomware, with attacks disrupting patient care and demanding large ransoms
- Data Breaches: Patient health records are valuable on dark web, making healthcare attractive target
- Medical Device Vulnerabilities: Connected medical devices often have security weaknesses exploitable by attackers
- Insider Threats: Employees with access to sensitive data may cause breaches accidentally or maliciously
- Business Email Compromise: Phishing and social engineering attacks targeting healthcare staff
- Third-Party Risks: Vendors and partners with access to healthcare systems can introduce vulnerabilities
- Legacy Systems: Outdated systems and software create security gaps
ADHICS implementation provides defense-in-depth security controls addressing these threats systematically. Organizations with strong ADHICS compliance experience fewer successful attacks, faster incident detection and response, reduced impact from security incidents, and better recovery capabilities.
3. Patient Data Protection and Privacy
Patient health information is among the most sensitive data requiring protection. ADHICS controls ensure confidentiality of medical records, diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, test results, and personal information, integrity preventing unauthorized modification or deletion, and availability ensuring information is accessible when needed for patient care. Patients trust healthcare providers with intimate health information. Strong security demonstrates respect for patient privacy and builds trust. Data breaches destroy patient trust, generate negative publicity, result in patient attrition, and damage healthcare organization reputation permanently.
4. Operational Continuity and Resilience
Healthcare organizations provide critical services that cannot tolerate extended downtime. ADHICS business continuity and disaster recovery controls ensure healthcare operations continue during security incidents, patient care is not disrupted, critical systems remain available, emergency services function reliably, and recovery occurs quickly when incidents happen. Ransomware attacks have forced hospitals to divert ambulances, cancel surgeries, and operate without electronic systems. ADHICS compliance helps prevent such scenarios through comprehensive security and resilience measures.
5. Financial Protection
Cybersecurity incidents carry significant financial costs including direct costs from ransom payments (if paid), incident response and recovery, system restoration and data recovery, legal and forensic investigation, regulatory penalties and fines, and litigation and settlements. Indirect costs include business disruption and lost revenue, reputational damage and patient loss, increased cybersecurity insurance premiums, mandatory security improvements, and regulatory oversight costs. ADHICS compliance reduces likelihood and impact of incidents, providing financial protection through prevention rather than expensive remediation.
6. Medical Device Security
Healthcare organizations increasingly rely on connected medical devices including patient monitors, infusion pumps, imaging equipment, laboratory analyzers, and implantable devices. These devices often have security vulnerabilities from outdated software and firmware, lack of security updates and patches, default credentials and weak authentication, unencrypted communications, and inadequate network segmentation. ADHICS addresses medical device security through asset inventory and management, network segmentation, vulnerability assessments, patch management processes, and vendor security requirements. Securing medical devices protects patient safety and prevents device compromise from affecting broader networks.
7. Supply Chain and Third-Party Risk Management
Healthcare organizations work with numerous vendors and partners including EMR/EHR vendors, medical device manufacturers, cloud service providers, IT managed service providers, business associates handling patient data, and medical supply chain partners. Third-party breaches can compromise healthcare organization security. ADHICS Domain 10 (Supplier Relationships) requires vendor security assessments, contractual security requirements, ongoing vendor monitoring, incident notification requirements, and secure data sharing practices. Managing third-party risk is essential as healthcare supply chains grow more complex.
8. Competitive Advantage and Market Differentiation
As cybersecurity awareness grows, patients and partners increasingly consider security when choosing healthcare providers. ADHICS compliance demonstrates commitment to protecting patient information, investment in security infrastructure, mature security practices and governance, and alignment with international security standards. Healthcare organizations with strong security posture gain advantages including enhanced reputation and brand value, patient confidence and loyalty, insurance company preferred provider status, competitive advantage in procurement, and ability to attract security-conscious patients. Marketing ADHICS compliance shows patients their information is protected by certified security practices.
9. Alignment with Global Standards
ADHICS aligns with international security frameworks enabling healthcare organizations serving international patients, partnering with global healthcare organizations, achieving additional certifications (ISO 27001, HIPAA), demonstrating security to international insurance companies, and expanding services globally. Organizations achieving ADHICS compliance build security capabilities applicable worldwide, supporting international growth and partnerships.
Our ADHICS Compliance Services
Glocert International provides comprehensive ADHICS compliance assessment and implementation services for Abu Dhabi healthcare providers.
ADHICS Readiness Assessment
We conduct comprehensive readiness assessments evaluating your current cybersecurity posture against all 12 ADHICS control domains. Our assessment identifies gaps, evaluates control maturity, determines compliance level readiness, and provides prioritized remediation roadmap. We deliver detailed report documenting findings, risk ratings, and implementation recommendations.
Gap Analysis and Remediation Planning
We provide detailed gap analysis mapping current state to required controls, identifying missing or inadequate controls, assessing control effectiveness, and prioritizing remediation based on risk and compliance requirements. We develop practical, phased remediation plans with timelines, resource requirements, quick wins and long-term initiatives, and alignment with business operations.
Security Control Implementation
We assist with implementing required security controls across all domains including governance structures and security committees, risk management processes, access control and identity management, encryption and cryptographic controls, network security and segmentation, endpoint protection and malware defense, security monitoring and logging, incident response capabilities, and business continuity and disaster recovery. We provide technical expertise, best practices, and implementation guidance.
Policy and Procedure Development
We develop comprehensive security policies and procedures required by ADHICS including information security policy, acceptable use policy, access control policy, data classification and handling procedures, incident response plan, business continuity plan, vendor management policy, and domain-specific procedures. We create documentation tailored to your organization meeting DoH requirements while being practical and implementable.
Risk Assessment Services
We conduct formal risk assessments meeting ADHICS Domain 2 requirements including asset identification and valuation, threat and vulnerability analysis, risk evaluation and prioritization, risk treatment planning, and residual risk documentation. We use industry-standard risk assessment methodologies and deliver comprehensive risk registers and treatment plans meeting DoH expectations.
Security Awareness Training
We provide comprehensive security awareness training for healthcare staff including general security awareness for all staff, role-based training for IT and security teams, ADHICS requirements for leadership and management, phishing and social engineering defense, data protection and privacy, incident reporting procedures, and medical device security. Training is tailored to healthcare context with medical examples and scenarios.
Annual ADHICS Compliance Audit
We conduct annual ADHICS compliance audits meeting DoH requirements. Our audits include comprehensive assessment of all 12 domains, control effectiveness testing, documentation review, staff interviews and observations, technical security testing, compliance level determination, and detailed audit report with findings and recommendations. We help maintain ongoing compliance between DoH inspections.
DoH Inspection Preparation and Support
We help prepare for Department of Health inspections and audits including pre-inspection readiness review, documentation preparation and organization, staff briefing and preparation, remediation of identified gaps, mock inspection exercises, and support during DoH inspection process. Our preparation ensures confident, successful DoH inspections.
ADHICS 12 Control Domains
ADHICS organizes cybersecurity controls into 12 comprehensive domains:
Domain 1: Information Security Governance
Establishes organizational security governance structure including executive oversight, security steering committee, roles and responsibilities, security policies and standards, compliance monitoring, and management review processes.
Key Requirements: Documented security governance framework, appointed security leadership, regular management reporting, and integration with organizational governance.
Domain 2: Risk Management
Comprehensive risk management program including risk assessment methodology, asset identification and valuation, threat and vulnerability analysis, risk evaluation and treatment, residual risk acceptance, and ongoing risk monitoring.
Key Requirements: Annual risk assessments, documented risk register, risk treatment plans, and senior management risk acceptance.
Domain 3: Asset Management
Comprehensive asset inventory and management including hardware and software inventory, asset classification and labeling, asset ownership and accountability, secure asset handling procedures, and secure disposal of assets and media.
Key Requirements: Complete asset inventory, classified information assets, acceptable use guidelines, and secure disposal procedures.
Domain 4: Access Control
User access management and authentication including user provisioning and deprovisioning, role-based access control, strong authentication mechanisms, password policies, privileged access management, access review processes, and remote access security.
Key Requirements: Access control policy, user access reviews, strong authentication, least privilege principle, and logging of access activities.
Domain 5: Cryptography
Cryptographic controls for data protection including encryption of data at rest and in transit, cryptographic key management, digital signatures, secure protocols (TLS/SSL), and cryptographic standards compliance.
Key Requirements: Encryption of sensitive data, secure key management, current cryptographic algorithms, and protection of data in transit.
Domain 6: Physical and Environmental Security
Physical security controls including secure areas and perimeters, physical access controls, visitor management, environmental controls (power, cooling, fire), equipment security, and secure disposal of physical materials.
Key Requirements: Controlled access to facilities and server rooms, visitor logs, environmental monitoring, and physical security for mobile devices.
Domain 7: Operations Security
Operational security procedures including documented operating procedures, change management, capacity management, malware protection, backup and recovery, logging and monitoring, vulnerability management, and technical vulnerability management.
Key Requirements: Formal change control, malware defenses, regular backups, security monitoring, patch management, and vulnerability scanning.
Domain 8: Communications Security
Network and communications security including network controls and segmentation, network security monitoring, secure network services, segregation of networks, information transfer policies, electronic messaging security, and confidentiality agreements.
Key Requirements: Network segmentation, firewalls, secure data transmission, email security, and protection against unauthorized access.
Domain 9: System Acquisition, Development and Maintenance
Secure development lifecycle including security requirements analysis, secure system architecture, secure coding practices, security testing, change control, and secure development environments.
Key Requirements: Security requirements in projects, secure development practices, testing and validation, and separation of environments.
Domain 10: Supplier Relationships
Third-party and vendor security including vendor risk assessments, security requirements in contracts, vendor security monitoring, secure data sharing, and vendor incident notification.
Key Requirements: Vendor security assessments, contractual security obligations, monitoring of vendor services, and supply chain security.
Domain 11: Information Security Incident Management
Incident response capabilities including incident response plan, incident detection and reporting, incident assessment and prioritization, incident containment and eradication, incident recovery, post-incident review, and evidence collection and preservation.
Key Requirements: Documented incident response plan, 24/7 incident response capability, DoH incident notification, and lessons learned processes.
Domain 12: Business Continuity Management
Business continuity and disaster recovery including business impact analysis, continuity planning, disaster recovery planning, testing and exercises, plan maintenance, and redundancy and resilience measures.
Key Requirements: Business continuity plan, disaster recovery plan, annual testing, backup and recovery procedures, and documented recovery objectives.
ADHICS Compliance Levels
ADHICS defines compliance levels based on control implementation maturity:
| Level | Characteristics | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1: Initial/Ad Hoc | Security processes unpredictable, poorly controlled, reactive. Success depends on individual efforts. | Basic security awareness, some controls implemented inconsistently |
| Level 2: Managed | Security processes characterized for projects and often reactive. Requirements managed, but processes inconsistent. | Documented security policies, defined roles, project-level planning |
| Level 3: Defined | Security processes characterized for organization, proactive. Standard processes established and improved over time. | Organization-wide security framework, consistent controls, regular reviews |
| Level 4: Managed/Measured | Security processes measured and controlled. Quantitative objectives established and used. | Security metrics, performance measurement, continuous monitoring |
| Level 5: Optimizing | Focus on continuous process improvement through incremental and innovative changes. | Continuous improvement, innovation, optimization of security processes |
Minimum Compliance Expectation: Department of Health typically expects healthcare facilities to achieve at least Level 3 (Defined) maturity across all control domains for full ADHICS compliance. Larger hospitals and critical healthcare facilities may be expected to demonstrate Level 4 or Level 5 in high-risk areas. New facilities start at lower levels and progress toward Level 3+ over defined timeframes.
Benefits of ADHICS Compliance:
Regulatory Compliance
Meets mandatory DoH requirements, maintains healthcare facility license, and avoids penalties for non-compliance.
Enhanced Security
Protects patient data and healthcare systems from cyber threats, reduces breach risk, and improves incident response.
Operational Resilience
Ensures business continuity, disaster recovery capability, and healthcare service availability during incidents.
Patient Trust
Demonstrates commitment to protecting patient information, building trust and confidence in healthcare services.
ADHICS Services Pricing
Our ADHICS services pricing is transparent and based on your facility size, complexity, and current security maturity. We offer competitive rates with no hidden fees.
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Get a personalized estimate based on your healthcare facility type, size, and ADHICS compliance needs.
Contact Us for PricingWhat's Included in ADHICS Pricing:
- Comprehensive readiness assessment across all 12 domains
- Current state evaluation and maturity level determination
- Detailed gap analysis and findings report
- Risk assessment and prioritization
- Remediation roadmap and implementation plan
- Policy and procedure development support
- Control implementation guidance
- Staff training and awareness programs
- Annual compliance audit services
- DoH inspection preparation and support
- Ongoing compliance consulting
- Executive reporting and dashboards
Note: ADHICS services pricing varies based on facility type and size (hospital vs. clinic), number of locations and facilities, current security maturity level, IT environment complexity, number of information systems in scope, whether seeking initial compliance or annual audit, and level of implementation support required. Contact us for a detailed, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific healthcare facility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about ADHICS compliance:
ADHICS (Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standards) is the comprehensive cybersecurity framework established by Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) to protect healthcare information systems and patient data. ADHICS is mandatory for all healthcare facilities licensed by DoH in Abu Dhabi including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers. The framework comprises 12 control domains covering information security governance, risk management, access control, cryptography, physical security, operations security, communications security, system development, vendor management, incident management, and business continuity. ADHICS is mandatory because healthcare organizations hold sensitive patient data, operate critical systems supporting patient care, face increasing cybersecurity threats including ransomware and data breaches, and must protect patient privacy and safety. DoH requires ADHICS compliance for healthcare licensing and operation, with enforcement through inspections, audits, and penalties for non-compliance. Healthcare facilities must demonstrate ADHICS compliance during licensing, renewal, and periodic DoH audits.
ADHICS compliance is mandatory for all healthcare facilities licensed by Department of Health - Abu Dhabi: Hospitals: Public and private hospitals providing inpatient/outpatient care. Clinics: Primary care, specialty clinics, polyclinics, ambulatory care. Diagnostic Centers: Laboratories, radiology, diagnostic imaging. Pharmacies: Retail and hospital pharmacies. Day Surgery Centers: Ambulatory surgical facilities. Dental Clinics: Dental care providers. Allied Health Services: Physiotherapy, rehabilitation facilities. Home Healthcare: Organizations providing care in homes. Telemedicine Providers: Virtual care and telehealth platforms. Healthcare Support Organizations: Third parties processing healthcare data. Compliance applies to all information systems processing, storing, or transmitting patient health information including EMR/EHR, medical devices, laboratory systems, radiology, pharmacy, and administrative systems. Both public and private facilities must comply. Free zones may have different requirements - facilities should confirm applicability with DoH.
ADHICS organizes cybersecurity controls into 12 comprehensive domains: 1. Information Security Governance - organizational structure, oversight, policies. 2. Risk Management - risk assessment, treatment, monitoring. 3. Asset Management - inventory, classification, handling. 4. Access Control - user management, authentication, authorization. 5. Cryptography - encryption, key management. 6. Physical and Environmental Security - facility protection, environmental controls. 7. Operations Security - procedures, change management, malware protection, monitoring. 8. Communications Security - network security, data transfer. 9. System Acquisition, Development and Maintenance - secure development lifecycle. 10. Supplier Relationships - third-party risk management. 11. Information Security Incident Management - incident response, reporting. 12. Business Continuity Management - continuity planning, disaster recovery. Each domain contains specific controls and requirements. Healthcare facilities must implement controls across all domains to achieve ADHICS compliance. The framework is aligned with ISO 27001, ISO 27799, and other international security standards.
ADHICS implementation timeline varies based on facility characteristics: Small Clinics: 6-9 months for facilities with limited IT infrastructure and simple systems. Medium Facilities: 9-12 months for multi-specialty clinics and diagnostic centers with moderate IT complexity. Large Hospitals: 12-24 months for hospital systems with complex IT, multiple departments, and extensive infrastructure. Factors affecting timeline: Current security maturity level (starting from Level 1 vs. Level 2), IT environment complexity and number of systems, availability of security resources (staff, budget), facility size and number of locations, leadership commitment and prioritization, and whether implementing from scratch or building on existing programs. Typical phases: Readiness assessment and gap analysis (4-8 weeks), remediation planning (2-4 weeks), control implementation (6-18 months depending on gaps), policy and procedure development (2-4 months, parallel), staff training (ongoing), and compliance audit and certification (4-6 weeks). Organizations starting with mature security programs may achieve compliance faster. Early engagement with Glocert and DoH helps optimize timeline.
Department of Health - Abu Dhabi enforces ADHICS compliance through various mechanisms: Administrative Actions: Warning letters, compliance orders, corrective action plans. Financial Penalties: Fines for non-compliance or security incidents resulting from inadequate controls. License Actions: License suspension or revocation for serious or persistent non-compliance, license renewal denial until compliance achieved, prohibition on facility expansion or new locations. Operational Restrictions: Increased inspection frequency and oversight, restrictions on certain services or patient populations, and mandatory reporting requirements. Reputational Consequences: Public reporting of non-compliance status, negative publicity from regulatory actions. Enforcement Approach: DoH typically takes progressive approach: compliance education and guidance, deadline establishment and reminders, warnings for initial non-compliance, escalating penalties for continued non-compliance, license actions as last resort for serious violations. DoH also investigates security incidents and data breaches, with enhanced penalties if incident resulted from ADHICS non-compliance. Healthcare facilities should communicate proactively with DoH about compliance challenges and timelines. Early and ongoing compliance demonstrates commitment to patient safety and data protection.
ADHICS and NABIDH are complementary but distinct requirements in UAE healthcare: ADHICS (Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standards): Cybersecurity framework focused on protecting healthcare information systems and data. Mandated by Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH). Applies to Abu Dhabi healthcare facilities. Covers 12 security control domains. Emphasizes cybersecurity controls, risk management, and incident response. NABIDH (National Unified Medical Record): Health information exchange platform focused on data sharing and interoperability. Mandated by Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Applies to Dubai healthcare facilities. Focuses on EMR integration, data standards (HL7/FHIR), and health information exchange. Key Differences: ADHICS is cybersecurity framework; NABIDH is HIE platform. ADHICS applies in Abu Dhabi; NABIDH applies in Dubai. ADHICS protects data; NABIDH shares data (securely). Different regulatory authorities (DoH vs. DHA). Complementary Nature: Organizations operating in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai must comply with both. ADHICS security controls support secure NABIDH data exchange. Both emphasize patient data protection but from different angles. Healthcare organizations benefit from integrated compliance programs addressing both requirements efficiently.
ADHICS is technology-neutral but requires specific security capabilities: Required Capabilities (not specific products): Firewalls and network segmentation, antivirus and anti-malware protection, encryption for data at rest and in transit, secure authentication (MFA for privileged accounts), security logging and monitoring (SIEM), backup and disaster recovery systems, vulnerability management and patching, intrusion detection/prevention systems, email security and anti-phishing, endpoint detection and response, and mobile device management. Approach: ADHICS specifies security outcomes and controls, not specific vendors or products. Organizations can select technologies meeting requirements and appropriate for their environment and budget. Healthcare facilities should choose solutions that integrate with existing infrastructure, scale to organizational needs, meet healthcare-specific requirements (e.g., medical device compatibility), and provide ongoing support and updates. Technology Assessment: Glocert helps evaluate current security technologies, identify gaps in capabilities, recommend appropriate solutions, and ensure technologies collectively meet ADHICS requirements. The goal is cost-effective security achieving required outcomes with technologies sustainable for your organization.
ADHICS compliance requires ongoing assessment and periodic formal audits: Annual Compliance Audit: Healthcare facilities must conduct comprehensive ADHICS compliance audit annually covering all 12 control domains, assessing control implementation and effectiveness, determining compliance level/maturity, and producing formal audit report. DoH Inspections: Department of Health conducts periodic inspections at frequencies based on facility type, risk profile, and compliance history. Typically every 1-3 years. May include announced and unannounced inspections. Ongoing Self-Assessment: Organizations should conduct continuous compliance monitoring including quarterly self-assessments of high-risk controls, monthly review of security metrics and incidents, and regular testing of security controls. Event-Triggered Assessments: After significant security incidents or breaches, following major IT changes or projects, when implementing new systems or technologies, and after organizational changes affecting security. License Renewal: ADHICS compliance demonstrated during healthcare license renewal process. Healthcare facilities should maintain continuous compliance rather than "point-in-time" compliance for audits. This includes keeping policies current, maintaining security controls, documenting changes and incidents, and conducting regular training. Glocert provides annual audit services and ongoing compliance support ensuring continuous readiness for DoH inspections.
Yes, ADHICS compliance is achievable with various budget levels through strategic approach: Prioritization: Focus on highest-risk areas first, implement quick wins with low cost/high impact, phase implementation over time based on budget availability. Cost-Effective Approaches: Leverage existing security tools and capabilities, use cloud services reducing infrastructure costs, implement open-source security solutions where appropriate, focus on policies and procedures (low cost, high value), emphasize training and awareness (cost-effective control). Efficient Implementation: Address multiple control requirements simultaneously, leverage overlapping controls across domains, use templates and frameworks reducing development costs, conduct risk-based implementation focusing resources on priority areas. External Support: Engage consultants for gap assessment and planning (one-time cost), use internal resources for ongoing implementation where possible, seek DoH guidance and support programs, consider managed security services for 24/7 capabilities. Phased Approach: Start with foundational controls meeting minimum compliance, progressively improve maturity over 2-3 years, align implementation with budget cycles and facility investments. Small clinics can achieve compliance with modest budgets through practical, risk-based approach. Larger facilities require more investment but can phase implementation. Glocert helps develop cost-effective compliance strategies maximizing value from available budget.
Glocert International provides comprehensive ADHICS services: Readiness assessment evaluating current state across all 12 domains and determining compliance level; Gap analysis identifying missing or inadequate controls with prioritized remediation roadmap; Risk assessments meeting Domain 2 requirements; Control implementation support across all domains with technical and organizational guidance; Policy and procedure development creating required documentation; Security awareness training for all staff levels with healthcare-specific content; Annual compliance audits meeting DoH requirements; DoH inspection preparation including mock inspections and readiness reviews; Incident response planning and testing; Business continuity planning and disaster recovery; and Ongoing compliance support maintaining readiness. Our team brings healthcare cybersecurity expertise, experience with Abu Dhabi healthcare facilities, knowledge of DoH requirements and expectations, understanding of healthcare IT and medical devices, and practical implementation experience. We've supported hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers through successful ADHICS compliance. We serve as your partner ensuring efficient compliance, minimizing disruption, and building sustainable security programs protecting patients and healthcare operations.
Why Choose Glocert for ADHICS Compliance?
Healthcare Cybersecurity Expertise
Glocert International specializes in healthcare cybersecurity, bringing deep expertise in healthcare information security, medical device security, healthcare IT systems and infrastructure, patient data protection and privacy, healthcare-specific threats and vulnerabilities, and Abu Dhabi healthcare regulatory environment. We understand both cybersecurity technical requirements and healthcare operational realities, ensuring implementations protect patient care while meeting regulatory requirements.
Abu Dhabi Healthcare Experience
Our team has specific experience in Abu Dhabi's healthcare ecosystem including Department of Health requirements and processes, ADHICS framework and compliance expectations, Abu Dhabi healthcare facility operations and challenges, UAE cybersecurity regulations and standards, and relationships with healthcare technology vendors serving Abu Dhabi market. We understand local context and can navigate Abu Dhabi-specific requirements efficiently. Our experience helps avoid common pitfalls and accelerate compliance.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio
Glocert offers complete ADHICS services including readiness assessments and gap analysis, risk assessment and management, security control implementation across all domains, policy and procedure development, security awareness training programs, annual compliance audits, DoH inspection preparation and support, incident response planning and testing, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, and ongoing compliance monitoring and support. We also provide NABIDH compliance for Dubai facilities, ISO 27001 certification, HIPAA compliance, and healthcare penetration testing enabling comprehensive healthcare compliance programs.
Practical, Risk-Based Approach
We understand healthcare organizations have limited resources and competing priorities. Our approach emphasizes practical, implementable solutions balancing security and operations, risk-based prioritization addressing highest-risk areas first, cost-effective compliance strategies maximizing value from available budget, minimal disruption to patient care and healthcare operations, phased implementation aligned with organizational capacity, and sustainable security programs requiring reasonable ongoing effort. We partner with you to build security protecting patients and data while supporting healthcare mission.
Related Services
Healthcare facilities often need complementary services. Glocert International also provides NABIDH compliance for Dubai health information exchange, HIPAA compliance for US healthcare privacy, ISO 27001 certification for information security, healthcare penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, medical device security assessments, and telehealth security compliance. We coordinate multiple engagements for comprehensive healthcare compliance efficiently addressing ADHICS alongside other regulatory and security requirements.
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Contact us today to learn more about our ADHICS compliance services and how we can help you protect patient data and healthcare systems in Abu Dhabi.
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