Notes signing or not

[teethdood]

Would it hold up in court if the User column in the progress notes show me as the user who logged in and wrote the chart? I just type my name and my assistant's name at the end of the note. I have Topaz pads for treatment note signing, but I don't always use it simply because of too many notes/signatures. How about an auto-sign feature where my signature gets attached to the autonote? Thank you for answering.

[bpcomp]

I am not a lawyer but my understanding is that any automated signature has no chance of standing up in court. Same for being the use logged in etc. The only chance you have is with an actual signature originating from a legally admissible signature device.

[teethdood]

If that is the case, most of my notes are worthless since I can't go back and sign them all, legally and practically.
In dental claim forms, you know how it says "Signature On File"? Why would that be ok vs not ok autosigning our notes?

[bpcomp]

Like I said, I'm not a lawyer, but it is my understanding based on stories I've heard of court cases etc. If you really want to know the answer then I recommend that you contact your lawyer and find out.

[Tom Zaccaria]

Typical typical dental folklore!
We don't sign anything. OpenDental inserts the treating doc's and assistant's initials and that's it.

drtmz

[Hersheydmd]

I'm not taking any chances. I sign all my notes. My hygienist signs all her notes. My other staff signs commlogs.
How long does it take to scribble your signature on a pad after you type your note, 3 seconds?