HITRUST and HITECH are frameworks related to healthcare information technology and security, but they serve different purposes.
HITECH is short for “Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health.” It is a federal law which was enacted in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The main focus is to promote the adoption of health information technology and PHI, especially when it comes to electronic health records (EHR).
HITECH provides incentives for healthcare providers to adopt EHR, but also includes provisions for protecting PHI, like stricter enforcement of HIPAA rules and increased penalties for data breaches.
HITRUST, on the other hand, is a private organization that provides a framework and certification program for managing and securing healthcare information. The HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) integrates different standards and regulations, including HIPAA, NIST, ISO, and others. Organizations can undergo HITRUST CSF certification to demonstrate their compliance with various security and privacy requirements in the healthcare industry.
HITRUST certification is often sought after by organizations to assure clients of their commitment to protecting sensitive health information.
In short, while HITECH is a federal law focused on promoting the adoption and secure use of health information technology, including EHRs, HITRUST is a private organization providing a comprehensive framework and certification program for managing and securing healthcare information, which includes compliance with various regulations like HIPAA.
Is One Better Than the Other?
Comparing the security of HITRUST and HITECH isn’t entirely straightforward because they serve different purposes and operate on different levels.
While HITECH includes provisions for protecting patient health information and strengthening enforcement of HIPAA rules, its primary emphasis is on the adoption and use of technology rather than setting specific security standards.
In terms of security, HITRUST is often considered more rigorous because it provides a comprehensive set of security controls and requirements specifically tailored to healthcare organizations. However, it’s important to note that achieving compliance with HITRUST can be more resource-intensive compared to simply meeting the requirements of HITECH.
Ultimately, both HITRUST and HITECH play important roles in enhancing the security of healthcare information, with HITECH focusing more broadly on technology adoption and enforcement of regulations, while HITRUST provides a detailed framework for implementing security controls and achieving certification. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs and priorities of the organization.
