HITRUST Certification Services
Achieve Healthcare Security Excellence
In the healthcare industry and beyond, safeguarding sensitive information represents not just regulatory compliance but the gold standard of data protection. HITRUST certification offers the most comprehensive framework for managing information security, privacy, and risk in healthcare and regulated industries. As healthcare organizations face increasing cyber threats, complex regulatory requirements (HIPAA, HITECH, PCI DSS, GDPR), and demanding customer security expectations, HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) provides a unified, certifiable framework that harmonizes multiple regulatory requirements into a single assessment. At Glocert International, we specialize in providing HITRUST certification services across all assessment types—from entry-level e1 assessments to comprehensive r2 validated certifications, including cutting-edge AI security assessments. Our expert team guides healthcare organizations, technology companies, and business associates through the rigorous HITRUST certification process, helping you achieve the highest standards of data protection, demonstrate regulatory compliance, and build trust with patients, partners, and stakeholders.
What is HITRUST?
HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) is an organization that developed the HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework), a comprehensive, certifiable framework that harmonizes security and privacy requirements from multiple standards and regulations into a single, standardized framework. HITRUST CSF is recognized as the gold standard for healthcare data security and privacy.
The HITRUST CSF incorporates requirements from multiple authoritative sources including HIPAA/HITECH, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, NIST frameworks, FTC, GDPR, and state privacy laws. HITRUST certification demonstrates that an organization has implemented and maintains appropriate safeguards to protect sensitive information, particularly in healthcare and regulated industries.
Key Features of HITRUST CSF
- Unified Framework: Consolidates multiple regulatory requirements into single framework
- Risk-Based Approach: Controls scaled based on organization size, type, and risk
- Validated Assessments: Independent third-party validation by HITRUST assessors
- Multiple Assessment Types: e1, i1, r2 assessments for different assurance levels
- Certifiable: Issues formal certification upon successful assessment
- Inheritance Model: Cloud service providers can share assurance with customers
- Continuous Compliance: Requires ongoing monitoring and annual assessments
- AI Security Controls: New controls addressing artificial intelligence risks
Why HITRUST Certification Matters
HITRUST certification is critical for healthcare organizations and their business associates. Here's why HITRUST matters:
1. Comprehensive Regulatory Compliance
HITRUST addresses multiple regulatory requirements simultaneously:
- HIPAA and HITECH compliance for healthcare organizations
- PCI DSS requirements for payment card data protection
- GDPR requirements for European patient data
- State privacy laws (CCPA, CPRA, and others)
- Industry-specific regulations across healthcare, financial services, retail
- Single HITRUST certification demonstrates compliance with multiple regulations
2. Customer and Partner Requirements
Healthcare organizations increasingly mandate HITRUST certification:
- Major health systems require HITRUST from technology vendors and business associates
- Payers and health plans mandate HITRUST for claims processors and service providers
- Pharmaceutical companies require HITRUST from research and clinical trial organizations
- Absence of HITRUST certification is deal-breaker for many healthcare prospects
- HITRUST increasingly required in vendor contracts and RFPs
- Cloud and SaaS providers need HITRUST to sell into healthcare market
3. Risk Management and Cybersecurity
Healthcare is the #1 target for cyberattacks with average breach cost of $10.93 million (highest of any industry). HITRUST certification strengthens cybersecurity posture through comprehensive security controls, independent validation of control effectiveness, ongoing risk assessment and monitoring, incident response preparedness, and reduced risk of breaches and ransomware attacks.
4. Efficiency and Cost Savings
HITRUST reduces compliance burden and costs through unified framework replacing multiple separate audits, streamlined vendor assessments (one HITRUST report vs. multiple questionnaires), inheritance model where cloud providers share assurance, reduced customer audit requests, and lower insurance premiums (cyber insurance often offers discounts for HITRUST).
5. Competitive Differentiation
HITRUST certification provides market advantage as gold standard recognized across healthcare industry, demonstrates commitment to highest security standards, competitive requirement for healthcare technology vendors, preferred provider status with major health systems, and credibility with investors and acquirers.
Our HITRUST Services
Glocert International offers comprehensive HITRUST certification services covering all assessment types, advisory services, and specialized AI security assessments. We guide organizations from initial readiness through certification and ongoing maintenance.
Readiness Assessment
We examine your organization's environment and flow of data between systems that are in-scope, identify gaps for control, and provide recommendations for remediation.
e1 Assessment (Validated 1-Year Assessment)
The e1 is the cybersecurity essentials assessment with 44 control requirements and is meant for low-risk organizations that want to ensure they are maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene.
i1 Assessment (Implemented 1-Year Assessment)
The i1 Assessment is suitable for moderate assurance and results in a 1-year certification if requirements are met. There are 219 static controls in an i1 Assessment and only the Implemented maturity is tested.
r2 Assessment (Risk-Based 2-Year Assessment)
This validated assessment focuses on a comprehensive risk-based specification of controls with a very rigorous approach to evaluation, suitable for high assurance requirements. A minimum of three of five maturities must be addressed during the r2 Assessment: Policy, Process, and Implemented.
This certification is issued for two years with an Interim Assessment required during the one-year anniversary of the certification.
Interim Assessment Testing
If an r2 assessment was completed we will test a subset of requirements including 19 controls from the prior r2 assessment and determine the progress of any Corrective Action Plans.
HITRUST Risk & Advisory Services
The A-LIGN Advisory Team reviews your company's policy and procedure documents and evaluates them against the HITRUST CSF standard. They help identify and remediate gaps by updating and documenting policies to meet specifications.
HITRUST AI Security Assessment
The HITRUST AI Security Assessment includes tailored controls for AI challenges, based on multiple authoritative sources, and allows control inheritance from AI solution providers.
HITRUST AI Risk Management Assessment
This assessment provides a structured approach to managing AI-related risks, supporting responsible AI governance. Based on ISO/IEC 23894:2023 and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, it includes 51 controls for AI governance.
Choosing the Right HITRUST Assessment
HITRUST offers multiple assessment types to meet different assurance needs and organizational maturity levels:
Assessment Comparison
| Assessment Type | Controls | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| e1 Assessment | 44 controls | 1 year | Low-risk organizations, cybersecurity essentials |
| i1 Assessment | 219 controls | 1 year | Moderate assurance, business associates |
| r2 Assessment | Variable (risk-based) | 2 years | High assurance, comprehensive validation |
Choosing Your Assessment Path
- Start with e1 if you're new to HITRUST, low-risk organization, or want to demonstrate cybersecurity basics
- Pursue i1 if you're a business associate, moderate-risk organization, or customers require HITRUST certification
- Achieve r2 if you're a covered entity, high-risk organization, handle large volumes of sensitive data, or customers demand highest assurance
- Add AI assessments if you develop or use AI/ML systems for healthcare applications
Benefits of HITRUST Certification
Achieving HITRUST certification provides healthcare organizations and their business associates with numerous strategic and operational benefits:
Unified Compliance
Single framework addressing HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and other regulations.
Customer Trust
Gold standard certification recognized by healthcare industry.
Market Access
Required for contracts with major health systems and payers.
Reduced Audit Burden
Replaces multiple separate audits and questionnaires.
Enhanced Security
Comprehensive controls protecting against cyber threats.
Risk Management
Risk-based approach addressing organization-specific threats.
Cost Efficiency
Lower compliance costs through unified framework.
Competitive Advantage
Differentiation through highest healthcare security standard.
HITRUST Certification Process
At Glocert International, we guide organizations through the complete HITRUST certification journey:
Readiness Assessment
Evaluate current controls, identify gaps, and develop remediation roadmap.
Scope Definition
Define in-scope systems, data flows, and applicable controls based on risk assessment.
Control Implementation
Implement required controls, policies, and procedures to meet HITRUST requirements.
Self-Assessment
Complete MyCSF self-assessment documenting control implementation and evidence.
Validated Assessment
HITRUST assessor validates controls through testing, interviews, and evidence review.
HITRUST QA Review
HITRUST Quality Assurance team reviews assessment for quality and consistency.
Certification Decision
HITRUST issues certification decision and certificate upon successful completion.
Ongoing Maintenance
Continuous monitoring, annual assessments, and interim assessments (for r2).
HITRUST Certification Pricing
Our HITRUST certification pricing is transparent and based on your organization's size, complexity, and assessment type. We offer competitive rates with no hidden fees.
Request a Quote
Get a personalized estimate based on your organization's environment, assessment type, and scope.
Contact Us for PricingWhat's Included in HITRUST Pricing:
- Readiness assessment and gap analysis
- Scope definition and risk assessment
- MyCSF self-assessment support
- Validated assessment by HITRUST certified assessor
- Control testing and evidence review
- HITRUST Quality Assurance submission
- HITRUST certification (valid 1-2 years depending on type)
- Post-certification consultation and guidance
Note: HITRUST pricing varies significantly based on assessment type (e1, i1, r2), organization size, number of in-scope systems, data sensitivity level, and number of locations. e1 assessments are most cost-effective; r2 assessments are most comprehensive. Contact us for a detailed, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about HITRUST certification:
HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) developed the HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework), which is the gold standard for healthcare data security and privacy. HITRUST is important because it consolidates multiple regulatory requirements (HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, ISO 27001) into a single certifiable framework, is increasingly required by healthcare organizations from their vendors and business associates, demonstrates comprehensive security controls and risk management, provides independent third-party validation, and reduces compliance burden by replacing multiple separate audits. HITRUST certification has become a competitive requirement for technology companies selling into healthcare.
e1 Assessment: Entry-level "essentials" assessment with 44 controls, 1-year certification, suitable for low-risk organizations demonstrating cybersecurity basics. i1 Assessment: Intermediate assessment with 219 controls, 1-year certification, suitable for moderate assurance needs and most business associates. Tests only "Implemented" maturity level. r2 Assessment: Risk-based comprehensive assessment with variable controls based on risk assessment, 2-year certification with interim assessment at year 1, suitable for high assurance requirements. Tests minimum three maturity levels (Policy, Process, Implemented). Most healthcare technology vendors pursue i1 or r2 depending on customer requirements and risk profile.
Timeline varies by assessment type and organization readiness. e1 Assessment: 4-6 months from start to certification. i1 Assessment: 6-9 months from start to certification. r2 Assessment: 9-15 months from start to certification. First-time HITRUST organizations should add 3-6 months for readiness and gap remediation before formal assessment begins. Factors affecting timeline include current security maturity, number of in-scope systems, complexity of environment, availability of evidence, and speed of corrective action implementation. Organizations should plan to start HITRUST process at least 12 months before they need certification for customer requirements.
No, HITRUST is not legally required for HIPAA compliance. HIPAA is enforced directly by HHS Office for Civil Rights. However, HITRUST CSF includes and exceeds HIPAA Security Rule requirements. Many healthcare organizations require HITRUST from vendors because HITRUST provides independent validation of HIPAA compliance, demonstrates comprehensive security beyond minimum HIPAA requirements, includes additional controls from other frameworks, reduces their audit burden, and provides standardized assurance they can rely on. While not legally required, HITRUST has become a de facto requirement for healthcare technology vendors and business associates.
The HITRUST inheritance model allows organizations to inherit control assurance from their service providers (typically cloud infrastructure providers). For example, if your application runs on AWS and AWS has HITRUST certification, you can inherit certain infrastructure controls from AWS rather than implementing and testing them yourself. This reduces assessment scope and cost, accelerates time to certification, and provides shared responsibility model recognition. To inherit controls, the service provider must have current HITRUST certification, you must be using services covered by their HITRUST scope, you must document the inheritance relationship in MyCSF, and you still must implement complementary controls at your application layer. Major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) maintain HITRUST certifications specifically to enable customer inheritance.
HITRUST certification costs vary significantly based on multiple factors. Assessment fees: e1 typically $30,000-$50,000; i1 typically $50,000-$100,000; r2 typically $100,000-$250,000+. These include assessor fees, HITRUST licensing fees, and QA review fees. Additional costs include readiness assessment ($15,000-$40,000), gap remediation (variable, often $50,000-$200,000), advisory services if needed, and technology investments for controls. Annual costs for maintaining certification include surveillance or interim assessments. While significant, HITRUST investment is typically justified by access to healthcare market, reduced customer audit burden, and comprehensive security improvements. Many organizations see ROI from a single large healthcare contract enabled by HITRUST.
Yes, many organizations pursue both HITRUST and SOC 2 certifications as they serve different purposes. HITRUST is specifically for healthcare industry with comprehensive regulatory focus, required by healthcare customers, and certifiable with pass/fail outcome. SOC 2 is broader across industries with focus on trust service criteria, required by enterprise customers generally, and attestation report (not pass/fail). The controls overlap significantly (70-80% overlap), so organizations can coordinate assessments, often using same assessor for both, leveraging shared evidence, and conducting audits concurrently or sequentially. Many healthcare technology companies maintain both: HITRUST for healthcare customers and SOC 2 for non-healthcare enterprise customers.
HITRUST AI assessments are new assessment types addressing artificial intelligence risks. HITRUST AI Security Assessment: Focuses on security controls specific to AI systems, based on multiple authoritative sources, allows inheritance from AI solution providers, addresses AI-specific threats (adversarial attacks, model poisoning, data poisoning). HITRUST AI Risk Management Assessment: Based on ISO/IEC 23894:2023 and NIST AI RMF, includes 51 controls for AI governance, addresses AI ethics, bias, transparency, and accountability. These assessments are critical for organizations developing AI/ML solutions for healthcare, using AI for clinical decision support, implementing predictive analytics, or deploying generative AI applications.
HITRUST certification renewal depends on assessment type: e1 and i1 certifications are valid for 1 year and require annual re-assessment. r2 certifications are valid for 2 years, require Interim Assessment at 1-year anniversary (testing 19 controls), and require full r2 re-assessment at end of 2 years. All assessment types require continuous monitoring and evidence collection throughout the certification period. Organizations must maintain controls, update risk assessments as environment changes, monitor for security incidents, address corrective actions, and keep MyCSF documentation current. HITRUST is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to maintaining certified security posture.
HITRUST certifications are shared through controlled distribution: Your organization can share HITRUST certification letter with customers and prospects under NDA. HITRUST maintains a registry where authorized parties can verify your certification status. You can display HITRUST certification seal on your website and marketing materials. Detailed assessment results remain confidential but you can grant access to specific organizations through HITRUST's MyCSF portal. Unlike SOC 2 which provides detailed reports, HITRUST provides a certification letter confirming your achievement. The certification letter doesn't disclose control deficiencies, only that you achieved certification. This makes HITRUST easier to share publicly while maintaining security confidentiality.
Why Choose Glocert for HITRUST Certification?
HITRUST Expertise
Our team includes HITRUST certified assessors with deep expertise in healthcare security, regulatory compliance, and the HITRUST CSF framework. We understand the complexities of HITRUST assessments across all types (e1, i1, r2) and have guided numerous healthcare organizations and technology companies through successful certification. Our assessors stay current with HITRUST framework updates, new control requirements, and industry best practices, ensuring accurate and efficient assessments.
Healthcare Industry Knowledge
We specialize in healthcare and regulated industries, understanding the unique challenges of protecting patient data, navigating HIPAA and other healthcare regulations, managing complex healthcare IT environments, addressing healthcare-specific threats, and meeting requirements of health systems, payers, and pharmaceutical companies. Our healthcare focus ensures we provide relevant, practical guidance throughout your HITRUST journey.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio
Glocert International offers complete HITRUST services including readiness assessments and gap analysis, all assessment types (e1, i1, r2), interim assessments, advisory and policy development services, AI security assessments, combined HITRUST + SOC 2 engagements, and HIPAA validation services. Our integrated approach allows us to coordinate multiple compliance needs efficiently, reducing overall costs and timeline.
Efficient Assessment Process
We understand HITRUST assessments are resource-intensive. Our structured, efficient approach minimizes disruption to your operations through clear project management and timelines, organized evidence collection processes, experienced teams conducting thorough but efficient testing, proactive identification and resolution of issues, and streamlined communication with HITRUST QA. We aim to achieve your certification on schedule while maintaining high quality standards.
Related Services
Healthcare technology companies often need multiple compliance certifications. Glocert International also provides SOC 2 audits, HIPAA validation, ISO 27001 certification, and ISO 27701 certification for privacy. We can coordinate multiple engagements to maximize efficiency, leverage shared evidence, and provide comprehensive security and compliance validation.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Organization
Contact us today to learn more about our HITRUST certification services and how we can help you achieve the gold standard of healthcare security.
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