SOC 2 vs. HITRUST: Which Framework is Right for Healthcare Organizations?

Healthcare organizations face growing pressure to protect sensitive patient data while meeting strict regulatory requirements. Two of the most recognized cybersecurity and compliance frameworks in the healthcare space are SOC 2 and HITRUST. While both frameworks strengthen security posture and build trust with stakeholders, choosing which one is the best next step for your organization depends on your goals, customer expectations, and compliance needs. In this blog, you will learn:

• SOC 2 validates an organization’s cybersecurity and data protection controls through Type 1 and Type 2 assessments.
• HITRUST is a healthcare-focused security framework with scalable certification levels (e1, i1, r2) for varying assurance needs.
• Organizations may pursue SOC 2, HITRUST, or both to strengthen compliance, security, and customer trust.

What is SOC 2?

A SOC 2 examination reports on one or any combination of the AICPA’s trust services criteria—security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It demonstrates an organization’s commitment to its consumer requirements and cybersecurity best practices.

SOC 2 reports meet the needs of a broad range of users who require detailed information and assurance about the controls at a service organization. The report can play an important role in oversight of the organization, vendor management programs, and internal corporate governance and risk management processes.

The duration for your SOC 2 report depends on the type you acquire. If your organization has previously documented your controls through an automation partner, Type 1 reports may be performed right away. Type 1 reports offer a point-in-time service, testing your design on a specific date. Type 2 reports are generally audited throughout a three to 12-month period. SOC 2 reports reflect your organization’s operating effectiveness during the course of a review period and provide a more detailed assessment of your controls. 

A SOC 2 report is typically relevant for service organizations that provide services involving the processing of sensitive customer information or data. This framework is particularly valuable for businesses that offer technology and cloud computing services, data hosting, managed IT services, Software as a Service (SaaS), and various other outsourcing services. While not industry-specific like some other compliance frameworks, SOC 2 is widely recognized and utilized across different sectors, including healthcare.

What is HITRUST?

The HITRUST CSF is a comprehensive, threat-adaptive standard designed to help organizations strengthen their security posture and build trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders. 

Recognized internationally, HITRUST stands out for its flexibility and responsiveness to emerging threats. Because the framework is updated more frequently than standards like SOC 2 or ISO 27001, it is better equipped to help organizations across industries keep pace with today’s fast-evolving risk landscape.

Organizations pursuing HITRUST certification can choose one of three assessment options that provide varying levels of assurance:

• The e1 certification covers 44 foundational security controls and is ideal for low-risk organizations and early-stage startups to demonstrate adherence with baseline security best practices.
• The i1 certification adds 138 controls, for a total of 182, and provides a moderate level of assurance for businesses with more robust information security programs and greater assurance needs.
• The r2 certification is designed for organizations with complex environments that need the highest levels of assurance. The most rigorous of the three options, the r2 requires 200 or more controls, depending on the scope of the assessment.

For organizations looking for validation of essential cybersecurity controls, pursuing e1 certification is a smart option that paves the way for more robust assessments in the future. BARR experts recommend the e1 assessment to startups or other organizations that are just getting started in their cybersecurity journey. The certification is valid for one year from its issuance date; after that year, BARR experts recommend building on the established cybersecurity foundation with a higher-level assessment, like the i1 or r2.

The HITRUST i1 assessment is a good choice for any vendor looking to provide a moderate level of assurance on transparency, accuracy, consistency, and integrity. It allows smaller organizations with less support staff to become HITRUST certified. This is because the i1 only addresses the implementation of each control as opposed to the r2 which requires a policy, procedure, and the actual implementation of the control. 

The r2 certification is valid for two years with an interim period in between. It addresses five key areas—policy, procedures, implementation, measurement, and management—and over 200 controls. The r2 is the right assessment for established organizations who obtain a significant volume of sensitive data and PHI to keep secure. As the most comprehensive of the HITRUST assessments, the r2 is key for organizations that need high-level assurance and have the necessary resources and team dedicated to complete a larger, more complex assessment.

Which Framework is Right for Your Organization?

Both HITRUST assessments and SOC 2 examinations focus on information security controls. HITRUST is specifically designed for the healthcare industry and incorporates industry-specific requirements, while SOC 2 is more general and applicable across various sectors with a focus on trust service criteria. Organizations often start with the framework that aligns with their industry, regulatory requirements, and specific business needs.

For some organizations, like ThreeFlow, achieving compliance against both frameworks can be a powerful differentiator. 

ThreeFlow is the world’s first Benefits Placement System—a new category of enterprise software that streamlines benefits placement by connecting brokers, carriers, and employer clients in a single, shared system. Serving a highly regulated industry, ThreeFlow prioritizes robust security measures to align with the stringent requirements of its partners, customers, and their end clients. 

Since 2021, ThreeFlow has partnered with BARR Advisory to navigate its compliance journey, achieving multiple attestations, including SOC 2 Type 2 and HITRUST e1, with the goal of reinforcing trust and cementing its place as a true market leader.

“From Day 1, security, compliance, and governance has been a first-class citizen in our architecture decisions, in our product development decisions, and how we imagine this company growing,” said Shaheeb Roshan, co-founder and CTO of ThreeFlow.

With a strong security foundation already in place, the ThreeFlow team sought BARR’s guidance in refining its compliance roadmap and ensuring its security infrastructure was prepared for future growth.

“When we first engaged with BARR, we did so from a position of fairly good readiness…and a clear picture of where we needed to go,” Roshan said. “But we couldn’t take those next steps without the support and guidance from BARR Advisory.”

Rather than taking a reactive approach to compliance, ThreeFlow worked with BARR to align its security efforts with its business trajectory. This forward-thinking strategy was particularly valuable as the company expanded into new market segments, including medical benefits, which requires adherence to even more rigorous security standards.

With SOC 2 Type 2 and HITRUST e1 certifications in place, ThreeFlow has significantly reduced the time spent on security questionnaires required by partners and customers.

“Now, our market directors are trained to dive headfirst into the security and compliance governance question,” Roshan said. Supplying a SOC 2 report right off the bat “has materially reduced our administrative time for getting agreements and contracts finalized with our customers and our partners,” he said.

As ThreeFlow continues its rapid growth, security and compliance will remain core to its mission. With SOC 2 Type 2 and HITRUST e1 certifications in place, the company is well-positioned to expand its market presence, deepen trust with partners, and set the benchmark for security excellence in its industry.

Why BARR Advisory is the Right Compliance Partner

Selecting the right compliance framework is only part of the equation—choosing the right advisory partner is equally important. BARR Advisory is a trusted leader in cybersecurity consulting and compliance services for healthcare organizations.

With extensive expertise in both SOC 2 and HITRUST assessments, BARR Advisory helps organizations simplify complex compliance requirements, improve security posture, and streamline audit readiness. Their team takes a hands-on, client-focused approach to guide organizations through every phase of the compliance journey.

Whether your organization is pursuing SOC 2, HITRUST, or both, BARR Advisory provides the strategic insight and technical expertise needed to achieve compliance efficiently and confidently. Contact us to get started.