Compliance and certification in accordance with

NEN 7510 Information security in healthcare

The NEN 7510 standard “Information security in healthcare” is intended to safeguard the availability, integrity and confidentiality of patient and healthcare information. This standard is specifically designed for the healthcare sector and provides a structured approach to implementing both technical and organisational measures. This helps prevent sensitive medical data – such as patient records and treatment plans – from falling into the wrong hands.

Only if your organisation has access to personal health information is it possible to become certified based on NEN 7510.

Danielle de Vaal

Operations Manager

NEN 7510 as a tool for information security in healthcare

The NEN 7510 standard, specifically aimed at healthcare, ensures that your organisation can demonstrate that it handles sensitive healthcare information responsibly and securely. By implementing the right security measures, you minimise the risk of confidential information falling into the wrong hands. The standard sets out the guidelines for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, assessing, maintaining and improving a documented Information Security Management System (ISMS) for healthcare. This ensures the availability, integrity and confidentiality within your healthcare organisation are optimally safeguarded.

Working according to the NEN 7510 certification demonstrates that all security risks in the healthcare sector are systematically covered. This gives both patients and healthcare providers confidence in the safety of the data being processed.

What are the benefits of certification according to NEN 7510 for healthcare organisations?

Protecting business data and information is naturally important, but the standard offers more advantages for your organisation:

Compliance with laws and regulations

NEN 7510 certification is mandatory for many healthcare organisations. Certification therefore helps you demonstrate that you comply with relevant healthcare and privacy legislation. In addition, the standard supports compliance with the NIS2 directive, for organisations required to do so.

Uniform and structured policy

The standard supports the implementation of a uniform information security policy, leading to consistent behaviour by all staff and systematic application of security measures.

Trust and assurance for patients

A certified ISMS according to NEN 7510 proves that you handle healthcare information carefully and responsibly. This provides patients and stakeholders with assurance that their data is managed securely.

Optimised risk reduction

By clearly documenting security processes, risks are identified and managed early, leading to fewer incidents and lower recovery costs.

Quick results

With the right support, implementation of NEN 7510 can be completed within a few months. This enables you to quickly benefit from a robust security system that supports the continuity of your healthcare organisation.

Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) in healthcare

The NEN 7510 standard, like ISO 27001, uses the Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) cycle as a basis for continuous improvement:

Plan phase: a plan is drawn up, specifying which results are to be achieved and how this should be done.
Do phase: objectives and tasks are linked to the plan, which must be carried out during the year.
Check phase: the actual results achieved are compared to the planned results.
Act phase: if adjustments are needed, these are made in the ‘re-act’ phase. In addition, research is carried out in the ‘pro-act’ phase to explore innovative opportunities and how these can be included in the management system. This is called the pro-act phase.

More about the PDCA cycle

The NEN 7510 audit for healthcare organisations

The NEN 7510 certification process is conducted through an audit. An independent certification body (CB) assesses whether your organisation meets the certification criteria of the standard. Implementing an ISMS helps you systematically set up all required documentation and processes, so that during the audit you can demonstrate that you adequately secure healthcare information. Any shortcomings are reported by the CB, after which you have the opportunity to make adjustments. If the audit result is positive, you receive an official NEN 7510 certificate.

Do you comply with NIS2 through NEN 7510?

Although NEN 7510 provides a solid foundation for information security in healthcare, it does not automatically meet the broader requirements of NIS2. The directive simply has different content than the NEN 7510 standard and must be transposed into national legislation. NEN 7510 specifically focuses on the protection of patient and healthcare information, while NIS2 has additional requirements, such as stricter cybersecurity measures, incident response and cooperation within critical sectors. Therefore, NEN 7510 can contribute to compliance with certain NIS2 requirements, but additional measures are often needed to fully meet NIS2.

More about the NIS2 directive at digitaleoverheid.nl More about the (delayed) transposition into national law at digitaleoverheid.nl

Working together to build information security for your organisation in healthcare according to NEN 7510?

Protify offers various options for supporting, implementing and maintaining an ISMS that suits your healthcare organisation. Our consultants provide the right advice, guidance and execution for all your questions about information security. Together, we draw up the required (policy) documentation and ensure that your organisation is ready to be certified.

Ready to get started, and become certified for NEN 7510 within a few months? Also interested in assessing your organisation’s current position through a gap analysis? For every question, we offer a tailor-made programme. From advice and guidance to implementation – we provide the solution for your organisation.

Why implement NEN 7510

NEN 7510 helps protect medical data against loss, theft or unauthorised access.

For some organisations, NEN 7510 certification is required.

NEN 7510 offers a structured information security management system (ISMS). This creates more clarity in roles, responsibilities, procedures and processes.

Implementing NEN 7510 demonstrates that you take information security seriously. It increases the trust of clients, healthcare providers and partners.

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