DEKRA strengthens position as accredited certification partner for healthcare
DEKRA accredited for NEN 7510-1:2024 and HKZ Care & Welfare
Why these accreditations are important
DEKRA Certification B.V. was officially accredited in early October by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) for the certification schemes NEN 7510-1: 2024 (the new version of NEN 7510) and HKZ Care & Welfare (HKZ 165).
With these additional accreditations we strengthen our role as a leading and independent certification party in the healthcare sector. These recognitions enable us to broaden our scope and support even more organisations in demonstrably meeting stringent standards in the field of information security and quality.
NEN 7510‑1:2024
The
NEN 7510 standard
is specially developed for information security in healthcare institutions, with the aim of processing patients’ (sensitive) personal data securely. The 2024 version of the standard introduces several adjustments, including to 14 general ISO control measures and 8 additional measures specifically aimed at the healthcare sector.
With the accreditation for NEN 7510‑1: 2024, DEKRA is authorised to certify healthcare organizations on the basis of this current standard. Care providers can thus comply with relevant legislation and regulations such as the Wabvpz, Wegiz and the upcoming
NIS2‑directive
.
Harriëtte van der Sar of DEKRA Audit explains: “Certification for the latest version of NEN 7510, information security in healthcare, is not a choice but a necessity. Good care begins with secure information. DEKRA is now accredited and ready to certify to this standard. We understand that certification is about more than process optimization — organizations thereby strengthen trust.”
Transition period NEN 7510‑1:2024
For organizations holding an existing NEN 7510‑1:2017 certificate, a transition period applies until 20 February 2027. After this date certificates based on the old standard will no longer be valid. In the meantime, healthcare institutions can prepare for the transition to the renewed standard, during which DEKRA offers independent assessment against NEN 7510‑1: 2024.
HKZ Care & Welfare (HKZ 165)
HKZ Care & Welfare
is the quality standard for organizations in the care and welfare sector, developed by HKZ (Harmonisation Quality Assessment in the Care Sector). Through recognition for HKZ Care & Welfare we can audit organizations in the care‑ and welfare sector at the level of quality management that aligns with sector‑specific requirements. This certification mark is relevant for all organizations in the care and welfare sector.
More and more clients, including insurers and the government, make HKZ‑certification mandatory. Moreover, HKZ‑certification encourages a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
“At DEKRA we are delighted that the HKZ‑standard Care & Welfare (HKZ 165) is now accepted by the RvA. This achieves the highest form of certification: ‘certification under accreditation’,” says Harriëtte van der Sar. In terms of content, the requirements of the HKZ‑standard have not changed. You will therefore not be assessed against different requirements. The changes are only relevant for the certification body itself.
Transition period HKZ standard Care & Welfare (HKZ 165)
A generous transition arrangement applies. You have until 1 March 2027 to comply with the new agreements. Until then the HKZ‑standard Care & Welfare version 2018 may still be used. This gives you ample time to make arrangements with your certification body for a smooth switch.
Next steps for care organisations
Care and welfare institutions that are considering (re‑)certification can now schedule their audit process in accordance with the latest standards. DEKRA’s auditors are ready to assist your organization: from interpreting the standard to audit and after‑care. Furthermore, with DEKRA you can combine multiple standards (for example NEN 7510 and HKZ) in a single integrated process, thereby reducing effort and cost for the organization.