Establishing trust in healthcare data security through accreditation | Viewpoint

In the complex and highly regulated world of healthcare, trust creates the foundation of successful relationships between organizations and their patients, providers, and partners.

Lee Barrett

A key factor in building and maintaining this trust is the pursuit of independent, third-party accreditation. Accreditation serves as a clear indicator that a healthcare organization is committed to adhering to the highest standards in data security/cybersecurity, privacy, and overall operational excellence.

Given the significant risks associated with data breaches and compliance issues, accreditation provides assurance that an organization is dedicated to protecting sensitive information and operating with integrity.

The power of accreditation: Building confidence and trust

In an era where new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) protocols are increasingly integrated into healthcare operations, the risk of data breaches grows.

In 2024, more than 570 data breaches involving 500 or more records had been reported to the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR) – impacting over 140 million people.

With such high stakes, stakeholders naturally gravitate toward organizations that can provide assurances that their data is being handled securely. Independent accreditation offers this assurance, acting as a “badge of trust” that an organization is not only capable of protecting its data but is also committed to doing so in a secure and compliant manner. This trust is essential for building and maintaining long-lasting relationships in the healthcare industry.

Those that achieve accreditation demonstrate to their stakeholders that they have met stringent requirements and are dedicated to safeguarding patient information. The process is not a one-time event as accredited organizations must continually meet evolving standards and best practices, reflecting their ongoing commitment to excellence in data protection.

Navigating regulatory challenges

Healthcare organizations operate in a heavily regulated environment, with numerous laws, regulations and standards designed to protect patient data and ensure privacy.

These regulations, issued by bodies like the Assistant Secretary for Technology and Policy (ASTP) (formerly the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT or ONC for short) and the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), are continually updated to address new threats and challenges. Accreditation helps organizations keep pace with these changes by providing a framework for compliance.

For instance, the accreditation process typically includes regular evaluations and assessments, ensuring that an organization's practices remain aligned with current regulations. These evaluations help identify and address any gaps in security or compliance, allowing organizations to proactively manage risks and stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

This proactive approach not only helps organizations avoid penalties but also builds confidence and assurance among stakeholders that the organization is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care.

A competitive edge in the marketplace

Beyond trust and compliance, accreditation can also serve as a powerful differentiator in a competitive healthcare market. As more organizations and government entities require accreditation for business associates (BAs), having this credential can open doors to new partnerships and opportunities.

Before considering a business relationship, potential clients often require proof that an organization has the necessary credentials to handle sensitive health data responsibly. By highlighting their accredited status, organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors and build stronger, more trusting relationships with their clients and partners while meeting Third Party Risk Management (TPRM) requirements.

Accreditation plays a vital role in mitigating risks associated with non-compliance with privacy and security regulations. By engaging a nationally recognized, independent third-party to review policies, procedures, controls, business practices, and technical performance, healthcare organizations can identify and address potential vulnerabilities and risks before they become significant issues. Through the accreditation process, an organization undergoes a comprehensive review of its policies, procedures, and technical infrastructure. This rigorous evaluation ensures that all aspects of data security and privacy meet or exceed industry standards, helping to identify potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Aligning accreditation with TEFCA for secure and trusted data exchange

The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) went live in December 2023 as a federal initiative that establishes a common set of guidelines for exchanging electronic health information (EHI) across health information networks (HINs).

Both TEFCA and accreditation play pivotal roles in advancing interoperability and security in healthcare. TEFCA aims to create a unified approach for health information exchange across different networks, ensuring that healthcare data can be securely shared while maintaining patient privacy. Accreditation complements this by providing a formal process to validate that healthcare organizations adhere to the necessary standards of security, privacy, and compliance that align with TEFCA’s goals.

Organizations that are accredited are better positioned to participate in TEFCA, as their established protocols for data handling, exchange, and security help meet the rigorous requirements set by the framework. TEFCA and accreditation work together to build trust between patients and providers, reduce fraud and abuse, and promote the seamless, secure exchange of health information throughout the healthcare ecosystem.

Conclusion

In healthcare, trust is non-negotiable. Patients, providers, and partners need to be assured that their data is being handled with the utmost care and in compliance with all relevant regulations.

Accreditation offers a clear, tangible way for healthcare organizations to build, sustain and demonstrate this trust. By undergoing rigorous evaluations and committing to continuous improvement, accredited organizations demonstrate their dedication to excellence in data security and privacy.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, accreditation will remain a key component in establishing and maintaining trust. Organizations that prioritize accreditation not only meet regulatory requirements but also gain a significant competitive advantage, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected industry.

Through their commitment to accreditation, these organizations provide the peace of mind that stakeholders need, ensuring the continued success and integrity of their operations.

Lee Barrett is the commission executive director for DirectTrust.