A handwritten signature is a mark or sign by an individual on a document to signify knowledge, approval, acceptance, or obligation. Handwritten signatures must either be clearly legible or authenticated by a signature log or attestation statement. If the signature is illegible, a signature log or attestation statement may be submitted in addition to the medical record entry to identify the author of the entry.
If initials are used in place of a full signature, these should appear above the typed name and credentials of the physician or clinician or be accompanied by a signature log or attestation statement. To learn more about signature logs and attestation statements, see:
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Handwritten Signatures
Acceptable signature formats include:
- Legible full signature
- Legible first initial and last name
- Illegible signature over a typed or printed name
- Illegible signature where the letterhead, addressograph, or other information on the page indicates the identity of the signatory. Example: An illegible signature appears on a prescription. The letterhead of the prescription lists 3 physicians’ names. One of the names is circled.
- Illegible signature NOT over a typed/printed name and NOT on letterhead, but the submitted documentation is accompanied by: 1) a signature log or 2) an attestation statement
- Initials over a typed or printed name
- Initials NOT over a typed/printed name but accompanied by: 1) a signature log or 2) an attestation statement
- Unsigned handwritten note where other entries on the same page in the same handwriting are signed
Signature Requirements
