5 Steps to Map SOC 2 Controls to HIPAA Requirements

Mapping SOC 2 controls to HIPAA requirements can simplify compliance for healthcare organizations managing sensitive data. Both frameworks share overlapping areas like access control, data protection, risk assessment, and incident response. Here's how you can align them:

Quick Comparison

Access Control
User authentication and authorization
PHI access restrictions
Verify user identity and limit access


Data Protection
Data confidentiality
Safeguarding PHI
Protect sensitive information during storage/transit


Risk Assessment
Regular security evaluations
Security risk analysis
Identify and address vulnerabilities


Incident Response
Breach protocols
Breach notification rules
Detect, respond to, and report incidents

SOC 2 vs HIPAA Compliance: What’s the Difference?

Step 1: Compare SOC 2 and HIPAA Requirements

To start, it's important to compare SOC 2 criteria with HIPAA safeguards. This comparison highlights where the two frameworks align and where they differ, helping organizations integrate compliance efforts more effectively.

Find Common Requirements

SOC 2 and HIPAA share a number of overlapping control objectives, making it easier to streamline compliance efforts. Below is a detailed table that outlines key areas where the two frameworks align:

Control Domain


HIPAA Requirements
Shared Objectives




Access Management
User authentication and authorization controls
Access control and validation procedures
Verify user identity and restrict access


Data Security
Data encryption and protection measures
PHI safeguards and transmission security
Protect sensitive information during storage and transit


Incident Response
Security incident handling procedures
Breach notification and response protocols
Detect, respond to, and report security incidents


Risk Assessment
Regular security evaluations
Periodic risk analysis
Identify and address security vulnerabilities

Aaron Miri, Chief Digital Officer at Baptist Health, highlights the importance of efficient control management:

"

Once you've identified these shared controls, it's time to focus on the unique aspects of each framework.

Review Framework Differences

While SOC 2 and HIPAA share some common ground, they also have distinct requirements that set them apart:

SOC 2-Specific Focus Areas:

HIPAA-Specific Requirements:

Step 2: Check for Missing Controls

To ensure your SOC 2 framework aligns with HIPAA requirements, start by identifying gaps in your current controls. This process helps pinpoint areas where your security measures may fall short in meeting healthcare compliance standards.

Review Current Controls

Using the framework comparisons as a foundation, evaluate how your SOC 2 controls protect PHI (Protected Health Information). The table below highlights key HIPAA requirements, typical SOC 2 coverage, and common gaps:

PHI Access Controls
Partial - General access management
Lack of healthcare-specific role definitions


Audit Controls
Strong - Comprehensive logging
Missing specifics for PHI access tracking


Transmission Security
Strong - Data encryption
Gaps in addressing healthcare EDI requirements


Device Security
Limited - General asset management
Lack of focus on medical device security


Emergency Access
Minimal - Business continuity
Absence of break-glass procedures

Document these gaps carefully, as they will guide the necessary updates to your controls.

List Required Changes

Once the gaps are identified, prioritize implementing the following safeguards to meet HIPAA compliance standards:

"Censinet RiskOps enables us to automate and streamline our IT cybersecurity, third-party vendor, and supply chain risk programs in one place. Censinet enables our remote teams to quickly and efficiently coordinate IT risk operations across our health system."

Address these gaps systematically, focusing first on controls that directly impact PHI security. For each identified gap, develop a detailed remediation plan. This plan should include clear timelines for implementation and allocate the necessary resources to ensure compliance.

Step 3: Create a Combined Control Framework

To streamline compliance efforts, build a unified framework that aligns SOC 2 and HIPAA requirements. This approach ensures thorough coverage while eliminating overlap and lays the groundwork for adding HIPAA-specific controls.

Link SOC 2 to HIPAA Controls

Start by creating a control matrix that maps SOC 2 criteria to HIPAA safeguards. Here’s an example of how key controls align:

Access Control
Access Management (164.312(a))
Implement
with healthcare-specific permissions


System Operations
Audit Controls (164.312(b))
Configure unified audit logging for PHI access and system changes


Risk Management
Security Management (164.308(a))
Conduct integrated risk assessments covering both frameworks


Change Management
Device and Media Controls (164.310(d))
Track and secure all systems and devices handling PHI


Incident Response
Contingency Plan (164.308(a)(7))
Develop unified incident response procedures

Define detailed implementation steps and success criteria to ensure compliance with both frameworks.

Add HIPAA-Only Controls

Incorporate additional measures that are specific to HIPAA into your framework. These include:

For vendor management, integrate Business Associate Agreement requirements into your existing controls. Tools like Censinet RiskOps can help simplify the process of merging SOC 2 and HIPAA controls effectively.

sbb-itb-535baee

Step 4: Fix Control Gaps

Make the necessary changes to meet SOC 2 and HIPAA requirements, tighten security measures, and refine your procedures.

Update Security Controls

Strengthen your security systems to include protections tailored for HIPAA's handling of Protected Health Information (PHI). Here’s a breakdown of key controls:

Use AES-256 encryption for PHI both at rest and in transit
SOC 2 CC6.1, HIPAA 164.312(a)(2)(iv)




Employ multi-factor authentication for all PHI access points
SOC 2 CC6.2, HIPAA 164.312(d)




Set up segmented networks for systems processing PHI
SOC 2 CC6.6, HIPAA 164.308(a)(4)




Implement real-time alerts for unauthorized PHI access attempts
SOC 2 CC7.2, HIPAA 164.312(b)

When selecting tools or systems, aim for solutions that satisfy both SOC 2 and HIPAA requirements. For example, encryption systems should be configured to log compliance activities for both frameworks. This dual compliance ensures efficiency and consistency.

Once these controls are updated, it’s important to formalize processes that will maintain compliance over time.

Document New Procedures

Create detailed documentation to align your procedures with both SOC 2 and HIPAA standards. Focus on these key areas:

To streamline these tasks, consider using tools like Censinet RiskOps™. This platform can help automate risk assessments and documentation, reducing manual effort while maintaining continuous compliance.

Step 5: Plan Joint Audits

The final step ensures your unified controls and remediation measures are thoroughly verified through detailed audits. By building on your updated controls and documented procedures, joint audits confirm that your integration efforts effectively address both frameworks.

Organize Documentation

Centralize your compliance documentation into a single repository that supports both frameworks. Focus on these critical components:

Documentation Type
Purpose
Framework Coverage




Security Policies
Define organizational security standards
SOC 2 CC1.1, HIPAA 164.308(a)(1)


Risk Assessments
Document threat evaluations and mitigation strategies
SOC 2 CC3.2, HIPAA 164.308(a)(1)(ii)(A)


Access Control Logs
Track system access and authorization changes
SOC 2 CC6.2, HIPAA 164.308(a)(3)


Incident Reports
Record security events and response actions
SOC 2 CC7.3, HIPAA 164.308(a)(6)

Using a healthcare-focused risk management platform can simplify this process and enhance efficiency.

Run Combined Tests

Conduct control tests for both frameworks simultaneously. Once your documentation is organized, validate your controls through a coordinated testing program. As Will Ogle from Nordic Consulting highlights:

"We looked at many different solutions, and we chose Censinet because it was the only solution that enabled our team to significantly scale up the number of vendors we could assess, and shorten the time it took to assess each vendor, without having to hire more people."

Here’s how to structure your testing program:

Conclusion

Aligning SOC 2 controls with HIPAA requirements involves a clear, step-by-step process. By carefully comparing the two frameworks, identifying any gaps, developing a unified strategy, implementing changes, and conducting joint audits, organizations can achieve thorough compliance.

Beyond meeting regulatory demands, combining these frameworks brings additional benefits. In a world where healthcare cybersecurity is constantly evolving, this unified approach helps vendors:

FAQs

What are the key differences between SOC 2 controls and HIPAA requirements for healthcare organizations?

SOC 2 and HIPAA both aim to protect sensitive information, but they serve different purposes and industries. SOC 2 is a voluntary framework that helps service providers showcase strong data security measures. In contrast, HIPAA is a federal law designed to safeguard protected health information (PHI) within the healthcare sector.

SOC 2 focuses on broad trust principles like security, availability, and confidentiality, making it applicable across various industries. HIPAA, however, lays out specific legal standards, such as the Privacy Rule and Security Rule, that are uniquely tailored to healthcare. By aligning SOC 2 controls with HIPAA requirements, healthcare organizations can simplify compliance processes while strengthening their overall security posture.

What are the main advantages of aligning SOC 2 controls with HIPAA requirements in a unified framework?

Creating a unified control framework that integrates SOC 2 controls with HIPAA requirements brings several advantages for healthcare vendors:

This streamlined approach not only makes audits easier but also supports a stronger, more effective compliance plan tailored to the healthcare sector.

How can healthcare vendors maintain ongoing compliance with both SOC 2 and HIPAA after implementing the required controls?

To consistently meet SOC 2 and HIPAA standards, healthcare vendors need to take a proactive stance. This means committing to regular monitoring, periodic reviews, and updating controls as needed. Start by conducting routine audits to confirm that your processes and systems align with the latest compliance requirements.

Fostering a compliance-driven environment is equally important. Provide your team with ongoing training on data privacy, security, and any regulatory changes. Automation tools, like Censinet RiskOps™, can also be a game-changer. They help simplify risk assessments, keep tabs on third-party vendors, and manage cybersecurity risks more efficiently. Staying alert and adaptable ensures compliance remains a long-term priority.

Related posts

• SOC 2 Audit Documentation Checklist for Healthcare
• SOC 2 Risk Plans: Monitoring Best Practices
• HIPAA Compliance for Cloud Services: Checklist
• How SOC 2 Reports Improve Healthcare Cybersecurity

{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the key differences between SOC 2 controls and HIPAA requirements for healthcare organizations?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<p>SOC 2 and HIPAA both aim to protect sensitive information, but they serve different purposes and industries. <strong>SOC 2</strong> is a voluntary framework that helps service providers showcase strong data security measures. In contrast, <strong>HIPAA</strong> is a federal law designed to safeguard protected health information (PHI) within the healthcare sector.</p> <p>SOC 2 focuses on broad trust principles like security, availability, and confidentiality, making it applicable across various industries. HIPAA, however, lays out specific legal standards, such as the Privacy Rule and Security Rule, that are uniquely tailored to healthcare. By aligning SOC 2 controls with HIPAA requirements, healthcare organizations can simplify compliance processes while strengthening their overall security posture.</p>"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the main advantages of aligning SOC 2 controls with HIPAA requirements in a unified framework?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<p>Creating a unified control framework that integrates <strong>SOC 2 controls</strong> with <strong>HIPAA requirements</strong> brings several advantages for healthcare vendors:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Simplified compliance efforts</strong>: Combining overlapping requirements helps cut down on redundant work, making the compliance process more efficient and less resource-intensive.</li> <li><strong>Enhanced risk management</strong>: A single framework improves your ability to spot, track, and address risks tied to patient data, PHI, and other sensitive information.</li> <li><strong>Increased trust and credibility</strong>: Meeting both SOC 2 and HIPAA standards demonstrates your dedication to data security and privacy, which can strengthen relationships with healthcare organizations and partners.</li> </ul> <p>This streamlined approach not only makes audits easier but also supports a stronger, more effective compliance plan tailored to the healthcare sector.</p>"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can healthcare vendors maintain ongoing compliance with both SOC 2 and HIPAA after implementing the required controls?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<p>To consistently meet <strong>SOC 2</strong> and <strong>HIPAA</strong> standards, healthcare vendors need to take a proactive stance. This means committing to regular monitoring, periodic reviews, and updating controls as needed. Start by conducting routine audits to confirm that your processes and systems align with the latest compliance requirements.</p> <p>Fostering a compliance-driven environment is equally important. Provide your team with ongoing training on data privacy, security, and any regulatory changes. Automation tools, like <strong>Censinet RiskOps™</strong>, can also be a game-changer. They help simplify risk assessments, keep tabs on third-party vendors, and manage <a href=\"https://censinet.com/blog/5-ways-to-reduce-3rd-party-cybersecurity-risks-per-18-experts\">cybersecurity risks</a> more efficiently. Staying alert and adaptable ensures compliance remains a long-term priority.</p>"}}]}