Standards Comparison

    HITRUST CSF

    Voluntary
    2022

    Certifiable framework harmonizing 60+ security standards

    VS

    EMAS

    Voluntary
    1993

    EU voluntary scheme for environmental management and audit.

    Quick Verdict

    HITRUST CSF delivers certifiable security assurance for healthcare via maturity-scored assessments, while EMAS ensures verified environmental performance through public statements. Organizations adopt HITRUST for compliance efficiency; EMAS for transparency and EU incentives.

    Information Security

    HITRUST CSF

    HITRUST Common Security Framework

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months
    Environmental Management

    EMAS

    Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 Eco-Management and Audit Scheme

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Verified legal compliance requirement
    • Mandatory public environmental statement
    • Core performance indicators for comparability
    • Independent accredited verifier validation
    • Continuous environmental performance improvement

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    HITRUST CSF Details

    What It Is

    HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) is a certifiable, threat-adaptive control framework harmonizing requirements from 60+ standards like HIPAA, NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and GDPR. It provides a risk-based, prescriptive approach to security and privacy for regulated industries, using structured tailoring and maturity scoring.

    Key Components

    • 19 assessment domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Management, Risk Management)
    • 14 categories, ~49 objectives, ~156 specifications
    • **Five-level maturity modelPolicy, Procedure, Implemented, Measured, Managed
    • Tiered certifications: e1 (44 controls), i1 (182 requirements), r2 (risk-tailored)
    • MyCSF platform for scoping, evidence, and reporting

    Why Organizations Use It

    • **Unified complianceAssess once, report many across regulations
    • Builds stakeholder trust via independent certification
    • Reduces third-party risk and audit fatigue
    • Drives operational maturity and breach reduction (99.4% breach-free)
    • Enables market access in healthcare/finance

    Implementation Overview

    Multi-phase: scoping, readiness, remediation, validated assessment by assessors, certification. Applies to healthcare/vendors globally; requires 90-day operational evidence. High effort for policy, tech controls, continuous monitoring. (178 words)

    EMAS Details

    What It Is

    EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is an EU Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 voluntary environmental management framework. It enables organizations to evaluate, report, and improve environmental performance through a structured Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, incorporating ISO 14001 EMS requirements with added transparency and verification.

    Key Components

    • Initial environmental review, EMS implementation, internal audits, and management review.
    • Six core performance indicators (energy, materials, water, waste, biodiversity, emissions).
    • Public environmental statement validated annually.
    • Independent verifier validation and registration with national Competent Bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives resource efficiency and cost savings.
    • Ensures verified legal compliance reducing risks.
    • Enhances stakeholder trust via transparent reporting.
    • Supports ESG/CSRD alignment and procurement advantages.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: review, policy/programme, EMS rollout, audits, verification.
    • Suitable for all sizes/sectors in EU/EEA; SME derogations available.
    • Requires accredited verifier for registration and renewals every 3 years.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    HITRUST CSF
    Security/privacy controls across 19 domains
    EMAS
    Environmental management and performance indicators

    Industry

    HITRUST CSF
    Healthcare, finance, regulated sectors globally
    EMAS
    All sectors, EU-focused with global access

    Nature

    HITRUST CSF
    Voluntary certifiable framework
    EMAS
    Voluntary EU-regulated management scheme

    Testing

    HITRUST CSF
    Maturity-scored validated assessments by assessors
    EMAS
    Internal audits and verifier validation

    Penalties

    HITRUST CSF
    Loss of certification
    EMAS
    Registration suspension/deletion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about HITRUST CSF and EMAS

    HITRUST CSF FAQ

    EMAS FAQ

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