EN 
NL 
DE 
Today, there are strict requirements around information security and privacy. In the healthcare sector in particular, the bar is set high when it comes to properly handling the management of medical data. Through NEN 7510 certification, you as a hospital demonstrate that you have all the personal health information properly secured.
This is the added value of NEN 7510 certification
NEN 7510 is the Dutch norm and standard in the field of information security in healthcare. This standard is basically the same as ISO 27001 certification, but supplemented with specific healthcare-related measures. When you, as a hospital, are certified according to NEN 7510, you demonstrate that you have a well-functioning management system related to information security. Simply put, you show that you have properly secured personal information, such as patient data.
As a hospital, you show integrity and confidentiality in handling all personal data. Something that is definitely needed in society and in the healthcare sector. Healthcare providers must meet criteria from the NEN 7510 and NEN 7512. Based on the Healthcare Providers Electronic Data Processing Decree.
Proper handling of sensitive data
Medical records and patients' personal information must be processed carefully. To ensure privacy and security, it is essential to embed this properly in the organisation. As an organisation, you also comply with legal requirements. NEN 7510 certification helps you comply with current laws and regulations. Thereby, developments in the field of cybercrime follow each other in rapid succession. As a healthcare provider, you cannot stay behind and need to secure your organisation.
What are the benefits of NEN 7510?
With NEN 7510 certification, you not only ensure that you comply with all regulations. Certification gives you much more. We name it here:
Better data protection
As explained earlier: as a healthcare provider, you should handle patient data with care. In fact, it is a prerequisite; people trust a hospital to handle data properly. Thanks to NEN 7510, you can tangibly demonstrate that your organisation meets all the conditions. In addition, NEN 7510 helps you take proactive measures to prevent data leaks.
Higher efficiency
A major advantage of NEN 7510 is that processes are set up as efficiently as possible. And that all risks and threats are identified. This allows you to optimise systems and improve processes. As a result, you make a big optimisation step as an organisation. This helps you as a hospital to provide the desired care 24/7. This saves you time and reduces costs.
Reduce potential risks
Risks can come in all shapes, types and sizes. It is impossible to eliminate all risks completely. But you prevent financial and reputational damage by implementing NEN 7510. This is because you will gain insight into all risks and start working actively to contain them as much as possible. When you have the certification, you show that these risks have been minimised.
Improve your image
Certification always contributes to an organisation's trust and level of authority. People today expect a hospital to have matters around privacy and information security well organised. So with NEN 7510 certification, you will definitely strengthen your position in a highly competitive healthcare market. Patients will report to your hospital with peace of mind. After all, they know that all data is properly safeguarded.
Ready for the future
Developments in the digital world are currently moving faster than a lightning bolt. And that is not going to change in the short term. Reports of data breaches have regularly adorned the headlines for several years now. Failing to anticipate this would be a shame, because it means that as a hospital, you are lagging behind other healthcare providers. So make sure you stay relevant in this fast-changing digital world. With NEN 7510, you demonstrate that you are responding to these new challenges.
What does the NEN 7510 standard say?
The NEN 7510 standard is a set of guidelines and principles aimed at defining, establishing and enforcing measures that managers of personal health information (such as hospitals) should take to maximise information security. This standard is issued by the NEN (Royal Netherlands Standardisation Institute Foundation) and can be found here.
What is the NEN 7510 certification process like?
As a hospital or healthcare provider, it is your responsibility to comply with the NEN 7510 standard. You should implement all guidelines and measures in your organisation, with or without the help of a consultancy firm. When you think your organisation meets the standard, you can have your organisation tested against the NEN 7510 standard. The certification process consists of these steps:
Initial certification
The purpose of the initial certification is that we test your organisation according to the requirements from NEN 7510. We want to see if the system is working and functioning. In this assessment, we check all activities within your organisation. This initial certification consists of 2 phases, the phase 1 audit and phase 2 audit.
Phase 1 audit
In this phase, we assess your management system (ISMS) in outline. The main point of this phase is to assess whether you are ready for the phase 2 audit. During phase 1, we also make an audit plan, which describes which people within the organisation are responsible for what. And who we will talk to when in phase 2.
Phase 2 audit
During the phase 2 audit, we go into detail on the ISMS and all implemented control measures. The previously prepared audit plan then forms the guide and schedule for this phase.
Certificate presentation
If the outcome is positive, your organisation will have demonstrated that it meets all the requirements of the NEN 7510 standard. The auditor nominates you for certification. If the certification manager's audit is also positive, you will receive the NEN 751 certificate.
1st inspection
A NEN 7510 certificate is usually valid for 3 years. During this period, DigiTrust conducts an annual surveillance audit. Randomly, we check various elements from the standard.
2nd inspection
About 3 months before the end of the certification term, DigiTrust will visit you for a reassessment. This audit is similar to the audit in phase 2 and if the result is positive, you will be renewed. Again by 3 years.
Want to know more about NEN 7510 certification?
Are you considering a NEN 7510 certificate or do you still have questions about NEN 7510? Our specialists will be happy to tell you more about the standard and the certification process. Call us on 088-224 56 00, send us an e-mail to [email protected] or use our online contact form. We will be happy to visit you for a no-obligation introduction.
