Not just businesses, every organization, or even properties business, has to change itself from time to time to meet the market's expectations at a cost-effective rate and utmost customer satisfaction.
One of the important parts of meeting the market's expectations comes with adapting to new technologies and friends so that customers feel relatable. One such trending technology is electronic signature software.
What is an electronic signature?
In the traditional signature process, most of us use our name or surname or initials or both as a signature. This classic method of performing a handwritten signature also helps in confirming that the concerned person or the right person has made the signature.
It is the way of identifying a person's identity, the legality of the signature, proof of consent, agreement to the content of the document, etc.
An electronic signature or a digital signature works in an exact manner. An electronic signature is an electronic form of consent given by the signatory with an intent to accept the content or the document or the record on which he or she has signed.
Similar to the traditional ink-based signature, an electronic signature is legally valid. The purpose of this signature is also to show consent to the record on which the signature is made.
An electronic signature is considered valid if the right person has made it if the content is valid and no changes or modifications have been made in the content after the signature.
As per the European Union Regulation numbered 910/2014, an electronic signature is the data available in electronic form that is attached to or logically connected with another record/data in an electronic form and is used by the signer to sign on the data.
There are three types of electronic signatures:
Simple electronic signatures
Advanced electronic signatures
Qualified electronic signatures
Laws regulating electronic signatures and the use of Digital Signature for Government Agencies and others?
Now that we have understood what electronic signature is let us find out about laws that govern it across the world.
As we have discussed above, going digital or adapting to digital advances plays an important role in business growth. And there is no other better way to start this advancement than with document workflows.
United States
E signature laws that regulate the USA region:
ESIGN Act/and UETA
A short overview of the law:
The U.S. federal passed the ESIGN Act, 2000 to make the adoption of electronic signatures easy. The UETA has been adopted by 47 states of the U.S.
along with DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
As per the above-mentioned laws, the use of electronic signatures is almost applicable and acceptable for every type of agreement.
However, it is important for a business to get the consent of all the signatories for the use of electronic signature to show their consent.
The legality of electronic signatures as per the act:
As per both the ESIGN Act and UETA, electronic signatures will hold the same legal value as ink signatures in the U.S.
The act also states that the court cannot deny the validity of electronic signatures just because they are not ink-based signatures.
(2) The European Union
E signature laws that regulate the E.U. region:
eIDAS Regulation (Electronic Identification and Authentication and Trust Services) Act governs the use of eSignature Solution for Healthcare Professionals and others in the E.U.
region.
Overview of the law:
When eIDAS was passed on July 1, 2016, it replaced the Electronic Signature Directive and also by default modified every other E.U.
regulation similar to eIDAS. eIDAS offers a robust legal framework that recognizes electronic signatures across the European Union. As per article 25 of eIDAS, all electronic signatures and authentication services are acceptable as proof of evidence in legal matters.
The legality of electronic signatures as per the act:
The electronic signature will be considered valid only if the business requires the prior consent of all the concerned parties involved in the signature process to conduct business electronically.
(3) India
Electronic signature law that governs India:
The Information Technology Act (I.T. Act)
Overview of the law:
The I.T. Act in India was passed in 2000, providing digital signatures the same value as wet ink signatures. The act also recognizes electronic signatures as legal and acceptable in the court of law.
Businesses operating in India can choose from various forms of e signatures under this act. As per 10A of the I.T. Act, 2000, an electronic signature will be considered as valid proof of evidence unless the contrary is proved.
The use of Digital Signature for Government Agencies is accepted here.
The legality of electronic signatures as per the act:
E signatures are considered valid in India only when prior consent of the concerned parties is taken in advance to conduct business electronically.
(4) Canada
E signature law that regulates this country:
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
Overview of the law:
PIPEDA allows electronic signatures for almost every type of document, provided the prior consent of all the involved parties is obtained for the use of the electronic signature.
The act also governs how the collected or transacted data must be treated when it comes to privacy and security.
The legality of electronic signatures as per the act:
Electronic signatures hold the same status as traditional signatures.
Factors to consider while finalizing eSignature Healthcare Solutions?
- Smooth integration with other tools
Use an eSignature Healthcare Solutions that do not work in a vacuum and can be integrated easily and smoothly with other existing business management systems of your business such as CRM, contact center payment, etc.
An integrative system will allow you more flexibility.
Read the blog- E-Signature For the Enterprise: The Four Requirements
- A wholesome solution
Go for a solution that can offer you a complete end-to-end solution and allow you to perform every documentation task smoothly.
The eSignature solution you choose must allow the signatory to add a document, pause or store the process and get back to it for completion later. This feature is important when the signature process does not need to be performed immediately.
- Strong proof of signing
The best Electronic Signature software delivers intact electronic evidence that connects the signature to the signed records.
The parties will not be able to meddle with the content without being observed by others.
-
Real time collaboration
An Electronic Signature software solution should allow the parties to examine and track every action taken on the document.
This helps in mitigating or eradicating misunderstandings, maintaining transparency, keeping track of the progress, etc. Real-time collaboration ensures accuracy, a completely filled form, and attached documents. All the parties are ensured that the documentation process was as per the regulations and the standards.
- Cross-device compatibility
Most of us in today's world use smartphones at least 5hours a day. We are connected to our mobiles most of the time.
Your customers would not be an expectation of it. They would be expecting a comfortable and convenient signing process for your side and what can be more convenient than a mobile phone.
Hence, ensure your Electronic Signature software comes with cross-device compatibility so that customers can make signatures through their smartphones.
- Customizable
Choose an electronic signature solution that is agile and flexible to meet your specific business needs. The software you choose must be customizable so that you can make modifications or use features as per the demand of the time.
- Reliable verification and identification
One of the core reasons why electronic signatures gained popularity in the market was the secured environment it offered.
The ability of the software to identify the signer and authenticate the signatures and the content was impressive. Hence, if you wish to leverage the software to its best, choose the software that performs I.D. verification.
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, the eSignature Solution for Government Agencies must also offer:
A clear line of consent
Secure and tamper-proof services
Complete audit trail
Secure & Reliable eSignature Tools For Business - Try It Now
What would good Electronic Signature software do to you?
It is an opportunity to improve contract completion speed without compromising accuracy and security.
The software offers a high-end security environment that is built to detect even minute meddling activity.
Your transaction costs are reduced in the long run as you no longer have to spend on printing, ink, paper, faxing, postage, etc.
Plus, time is also saved, and productivity is boosted.
It helps in maintaining transparency throughout the documentation process as every concerned party can track the progress on the document, and if anything unwanted takes place, alerts are sent to all the parties.
A faster signature process also means quicker closure of the deals, which means better revenue inflow and more.
Be it an eSignature Healthcare Solutions or eSignature Solution for Government Agencies; the motto is to save time, boost productivity and offer convenience to the customers/patients/public.
