i1 – Implemented 1-Year HITRUST Assessment and Certification
In a recent blog post, we explored the HITRUST e1 Essentials 1-Year Assessment and Certification. It is the least stringent level of the three HITRUST assessment and certification options for organizations operating in the healthcare industry. In this post, to continue our series, we’ll get into the next level of HITRUST assessment and certification: HITRUST i1 Leading Practices.
HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) has emerged as a pivotal organization in healthcare cybersecurity and risk management. Among its comprehensive standards and best practices framework, the HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) is a foundational guide for healthcare organizations aiming to fortify their information protection strategies.
The framework is made up of three levels of HITRUST certification, including the E-1 Essentials, HITRUST certification, the i1 Leading Practices HITRUST certification, and the most intensive level, the r2 Expanded Practices HITRUST certification which provides the highest level for information protection (and we’ll have a blog on that coming up, soon!).
Related Content: HITRUST vs. HIPAA: What’s the Difference?
Significance of the HITRUST i1 Implemented Assessment
The significance of the HITRUST i1 assessment lies in its rigorous evaluation of control implementation, serving as a litmus test for an organization’s commitment to robust information security practices. The i1 assessment requires scrutinizing each control requirement with meticulous detail to provide a comprehensive appraisal of an organization’s security posture.
As opposed to the E1 Essentials, achieving HITRUST i1 certification signifies more than just compliance; it denotes a proactive stance toward safeguarding critical assets and mitigating potential risks.
Introducing HITRUST CSF version 11 on January 12, 2023, meant reducing the overall number of controls and simplifying the entire process of achieving i1 certification for certain organizations that were challenged by the excessive requirements previously in HITRSUT CSF versions 9.1 – 9.4. Originally, the i1 assessment consisted of 219 pre-selected controls, which have now been synthesized into just 182 requirements. The assessment design was based on relevant information security risks and emerging cyber threats for medium-sized organizations that may be undergoing growth and transition. Version 11 has already undergone two iterations making the current version 11.3.
The HITRUST i1 assessment focuses exclusively on the implemented National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Program Review of Information Security Management Assistance (PRISMA) maturity level, thereby narrowing the assessment scope and streamlining preparation efforts.
Through specific “Evaluative Elements,” the i1 verifies the comprehensive implementation of each control, enabling organizations to be assessed solely on their implementation level. A HITRUST i1 assessment can function either as a readiness assessment, encompassing an identification and remediation report or as a HITRUST validated assessment, comprising a requirements check and official certification.
Introducing the i1 Implemented HITRUST Assessment
While the HITRUST r2 Risk Based Assessment offers the highest level of assurance from HITRUST, it poses a challenge for organizations that may not require such extensive validation for their services. Prior to the introduction of the i1, these organizations categorized as lower risk by their stakeholders had limited options for HITRUST validation, as the rigorous process of the highest-level r2 assessment demanded significant resources. With the introduction of the new HITRUST i1 assessment, mid-level organizations can have a more comprehensive level of assurance than the e1 HTRUST assessment.
The HITRUST i1 assessment and certification was developed in response to the need for a balanced range of options tailored to specific requirements. It offers a more moderate level of assurance compared to the HITRUST r2 assessment, making it ideal for organizations focusing on maintaining strong security practices and cybersecurity controls.
Since its inception, HITRUST has continuously refined the i1 Certification based on feedback from assessors and entities undergoing assessment. The HITRUST i1 assessment evaluates controls against 182 requirements across 19 domain areas crucial for navigating modern cybersecurity standards. These requirements encompass selected controls from the NIST SP 800-171 security framework and elements of the HIPAA Security Rule. The i1 Certification maintains a preset selection of controls applicable to all organizations, regardless of size or industry, focusing solely on control implementation. While some HIPAA Security Rule controls are included, the i1 assessment and certification do not fully cover nor satisfy HIPAA requirements.
Navigating the i1 Implemented Assessment
The i1 Implemented assessment is meant to be simpler than the extremely rigorous r2 Risk Based assessment, but it still requires a high level of attention to detail surrounding the 182 controls involved. The entire process can take between six and twelve months to complete, and sometimes longer depending upon the amount of remediation needed and available client resources. That is to say, working with a professional team with HITRUST experience can help make the transition all the easier.
Organizations initiate the certification process by preparing their cybersecurity program and ensuring alignment with HITRUST requirements. This may involve conducting internal assessments, gap analyses, and remediation efforts to address any identified vulnerabilities or deficiencies. When ready, they will need to select an external assessor to collaborate with and develop an assessment plan tailored to their specific needs and objectives. This includes defining the scope of the assessment, identifying key stakeholders, and establishing timelines and milestones for the certification process.
The external assessor thoroughly evaluates the organization’s cybersecurity controls against the predefined requirements outlined in the HITRUST i1 framework. This assessment typically involves reviewing documentation, interviewing key personnel, and conducting on-site inspections as necessary. Following the assessment, the external assessor validates the organization’s compliance with HITRUST requirements and prepares a comprehensive assessment report detailing the findings, observations, and recommendations.
If deficiencies or gaps are identified during the assessment, the organization must address these issues through remediation efforts. This may involve implementing additional controls, updating policies and procedures, or enhancing existing security measures to meet HITRUST standards. Once the organization successfully complies with HITRUST requirements and addresses any remediation items, the external assessor issues the i1 certification. This certification signifies that the organization has achieved moderate assurance in its cybersecurity practices and controls.
The organization is responsible for maintaining ongoing compliance with HITRUST requirements beyond the initial certification. This may involve conducting regular assessments, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and undergoing recertification annually to ensure continued adherence to cybersecurity standards. A first-year i1-certified organization can recertify in the second year with the Rapid Recertification process. This is a condensed review of a sampling of controls across the 19 domains. In the third year, a full i1 assessment is required for recertification
Overall, the HITRUST i1 validated assessment and certification should be easy when done correctly with the right team. The controls are clearly defined, and remediation can be implemented quickly. Plus, with the i1 certification, organizations are primed to scale should they require the more challenging r2 certification.
Prepare for HITRUST Certification Now
What’s New in HITRUST?
HITRUST regularly updates its i1 requirements to align with the latest cybersecurity standards, including evolving threats like ransomware and phishing. This adaptability ensures that the i1 remains relevant and effective in addressing contemporary cyber risks.
While the i1 can serve as a readiness assessment before pursuing r2 Certification, it is certifiable independently, requiring completion of a Validated Assessment by an external assessor firm. The i1 Certification holds validity for one year, necessitating recertification to ensure ongoing compliance and security resilience.
On April 16, 2024, HITRUST released version 11.3.0 of the HITRUST Framework (HITRUST CSF®). This update reaffirms HITRUST’s commitment to providing organizations with a comprehensive, up-to-date framework that addresses evolving cyber threats and regulatory requirements. These updates include adding authoritative sources such as FedRAMP, StateRAMP, and TX-RAMP, offering a standardized approach to ensure compliance with information security requirements for entities conducting business with government entities. With the launch of v11.3.0, new e1 and i1 assessments will be aligned with the updated framework, ensuring organizations benefit from the latest cybersecurity and compliance advancements.
Applying a deep understanding of HITRUST frameworks and industry best practices, SCA provides tailored solutions to help organizations streamline their compliance efforts and achieve certification success.
From conducting comprehensive gap analyses and readiness assessments to guiding remediation efforts and facilitating the certification process, SCA empowers organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and build stakeholder trust. By leveraging SCA’s specialized knowledge and practical insights, organizations can confidently navigate the HITRUST assessment landscape, ensuring robust compliance and resilience.
