Understanding Washington State Electronic Signature Standards

1. IncorporatingDigital Signatures • Philip Freeman Statistical Services Manager Center for Health Statistics Washington State Department of Health

2. What does the law say? • Are signatures required on the death certificate? • Washington State – RCW 70.58.170 “the physician … shall certify the cause of death … and sign the certificate of death …”

3. What does the law say (cont)? • What are your state’s standards for electronic signatures? • Washington State – RCW 19.34 “Electronic Authentication Act” (1999) • Ensure legal recognition of electronic signatures. • Establish procedures for use in public business.

4. Barriers – from user input • No hardware can be added to the workstation itself. • No physical card, “fob” or key must be involved. So … • We will use a “roaming”, software based digital certificate.

5. Barriers – technology • Compatibility with existing state government Internet security. • Transact Washington • Compatibility with application. • Pure Edge (forms tool)

7. Contact • Philip Freeman Statistical Services Manager Center for Health Statistics Washington State Department of Health Phone: (360) 236-4330 FAX: (360) 753-4135 Email: Philip.Freeman@doh.wa.gov

8. Thank you