What is NEN 7510?
\nNEN 7510 is the Dutch standard for information security in the healthcare sector, based on ISO 27001. The standard applies to hospitals, mental health facilities, home care organisations, care homes and other healthcare providers handling personal data.
\n\n\nWhy NEN 7510?
\nInformation security in healthcare is not optional — it is a legal obligation. NEN 7510 certification is mandatory for connection to the National Health Information Hub (LSP) and is strongly recommended by the Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate (IGJ). Organisations that do not comply with the standard risk fines and reputational damage.
\n\n\nOur approach: from baseline assessment to certification
\nWe employ a four-phase approach specifically tailored to the healthcare sector:
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- Phase 1 — Baseline Assessment: We map your current security situation against NEN 7510. \n \n
- Phase 2 — ISMS implementation: Policy, procedures and technical measures are implemented in line with the standard. \n \n
- Phase 3 — Internal audit: We conduct an internal audit and prepare you for the certification audit. \n \n
- Phase 4 — Certification: Support during the external audit by the certification body. \n \n
NEN 7510 & ISO 27001
\nNEN 7510 is fully based on ISO 27001 and adds healthcare sector-specific controls. A combined implementation is efficient and cost-effective. We guide you through both engagements simultaneously.
\n /div>Mandatory for the healthcare sector
NEN 7510 is the Dutch standard for information security in healthcare. The standard is effectively mandatory for healthcare providers wishing to connect to the National Health Information Hub (LSP) or support personal health environments (PGOs). Quality frameworks from IGJ and NZa also reference NEN 7510. GPs, hospitals, mental health services, nursing and care homes, pharmacies and healthcare ICT suppliers all fall within scope.
Difference from ISO 27001
NEN 7510 is based on ISO 27001 but includes healthcare-specific enhancements: patient identification, logging of medical record access, continuity of care processes, identification and authentication of healthcare professionals, and alignment with legislation including the Wabvpz and GDPR. Organisations often combine ISO 27001 + NEN 7510 in a single management system and audit.
Role of the Information Security Officer
NEN 7510 explicitly requires a demonstrable responsible person (ISO/CISO) who manages policy, incidents and risks. For smaller practices, we offer this role as a service, allowing you to comply with the standard without hiring a full-time employee. For larger healthcare organisations, we provide guidance with implementation and training for your internal ISO.
Frequently asked questions
Is NEN 7510 mandatory?
For LSP connection and various quality seals, it is effectively mandatory. NZa also references it in good governance. For processors of medical personal data, NEN 7510 implementation is practically unavoidable.
Does NEN 7510 replace ISO 27001?
No, it is a healthcare-specific variant. Many organisations achieve both certifications simultaneously because most of the measures overlap. A single integrated ISMS is sufficient; the audit covers both standards.
How do I combine NEN 7510 with GDPR?
NEN 7510 covers virtually all technical and organisational measures required by GDPR, but lacks the legal component (data subject rights, DPIA). We provide an integrated framework NEN 7510 + GDPR including ROPA and DPIA procedures.