On January 7, 2003: Should we validate or question signatures on consent forms by reviewing previous signatures that we have in the record?
(A) Assuming that you mean “Authorization,” HIPAA does not require that we verify a signature. However, at any time if we doubt the authenticity of any signature, original or a copy, we could, but are not required, to seek other verification. Otherwise, as with most other signed forms, we can reasonably rely upon the document or document copy being what it says it is.
