February 2, 2015
Electronic signatures can be legally valid to execute documents that require written signatures, and electronic documents can be legally valid when applicable laws require documents to be in writing. However, healthcare providers continue to make basic errors when attempting to implement electronic signature protocols. These errors often occur within the context of healthcare providers attempting to ensure an accurate and complete medical record, institutions streamlining the patient consent process, and medical staff offices managing provider credentialing. A misstep can result in material liability if a dispute arises.
The following eight “rules of the road” are intended to assist healthcare providers in implementing and modifying e-signature protocols.
Contact the authors for more information about electronic signatures, including guidance regarding how to assess your organization’s compliance with applicable law.
The McGuireWoods healthcare and technology and outsourcing practice groups combine to offer an experienced team able to manage the complex information technology challenges facing all sizes and varieties of healthcare companies. With the resources of a full-service law firm, we draw on an extensive knowledge base of best practices and an intimate familiarity with major healthcare IT vendors’ market positions and business objectives. McGuireWoods’ technology and outsourcing and healthcare attorneys are dedicated to supporting clients in a broad range of matters, including procurement, development, deployment and outsourcing of information technology.