HITRUST certification: Raising the standard for 340B data protection

Data is at the center of an increasingly complex 340B landscape. It helps Covered Entities maintain compliance, capture qualified claims and opportunities, and make informed program decisions. But how can you be confident your data is safe?

That’s where HITRUST® i1 certification comes in. Wellpartner® is proud to be among the few 340B administrators to earn this independent, third-party safety validation. It shows our cybersecurity and information risk management practices meet rigorous standards for data protection. It also reflects our commitment to keeping the data you depend on secure, so you can stay focused on the communities you serve.

What is HITRUST i1 certification?

To become HITRUST i1 certified, organizations must prove they’ve implemented a set of security standards and 182 controls to protect against real-world cyber threats. HITRUST determines the controls, and the standards align with International Organization for Standardization (ISO), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Payment Card Industry (PCI), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.

How does the certification process work?

Earning HITRUST i1 certification requires time, coordination and detailed evidence the standards and controls are in place and working. The process starts well before the final HITRUST assessment and includes:

• Reviewing readiness by checking current security practices and identifying gaps before the formal assessment begins
• Implementing required controls to demonstrate alignment with 182 standardized cybersecurity controls tailored to real-world threats
• Collecting evidence including documentation that shows how the controls work in practice
• Completing external validation with a HITRUST-authorized assessor who reviews the environment and validates results
• Undergoing final quality assurance by submitting the assessment to HITRUST for review

The certification process typically takes six to 12 months and, once awarded, is valid for one year. Organizations must proactively get recertified to keep their HITRUST i1 status. 

Why is HITRUST i1 certification important for Covered Entities?

When you work with a 340B administrator, you’re trusting them with sensitive program data. HITRUST i1 certification gives you a clear, independent way to evaluate how that data is protected. Our certification provides you with:

• Clearer vendor oversight with third-party validation of our security practices
• Stronger data protection through rigorous standards and validated controls
• More efficient security reviews because your IT, compliance and pharmacy teams have a recognized framework to reference
• Greater transparency into how we protect the data your program depends on