HITRUST launches framework to improve patient privacy

18-03-2015

The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) has launched new framework, developed to improve patient privacy, enhance innovation and streamline the appropriate use of healthcare data.

According to HITRUST, its de-identification framework, meets the need of healthcare organizations for greater guidance and consistency in the de-identification and use of de-identified healthcare data, while simplifying and streamlining the process.

“De-identification is a key method for protecting privacy by preventing a patient’s identity from being connected with health information and is a core component of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule,” it said.

HITRUST will hold a webinar on March 24, 2015 to brief the industry on this development and simultaneously release a draft of the new framework for an open comment period of 30 days.

“HITRUST believes clearer guidelines in the form of standards for the uses of de-identified data and managing associated risks are needed,” said Daniel Nutkis, chief executive officer of HITRUST. “Since the de-identification process needs to take into consideration the environmental safeguards in place housing the de-identified data, the HITRUST CSF was the logical vehicle to align it with.”

HITRUST, Risk Management, IT and Data Security, US, Daniel Nutkis, Insurance