E-signature, paperless charting

[chitztal]

Hello,

I have recently been hired in a new position as a private duty RN for an established company that currently uses entirely paper charting. Knowing the ANA and the driving push of government towards electronic charting I was wondering if anyone had insights into methods of e-signature. The company already has an IT professional who has modified word documents currently used in paper format to be easily converted to paperless, but it seems they do not have e-signature capabilities. I am looking for a way to speed up interviews and have found several sources including PC Mag suggesting some cheap potentials (20 dollars per month), but was wondering if anyone has done this already and what they have discovered. Essentially, I am looking for any alternative to paper that is both economically and environmentally sound while also enhancing productivity. I also want to know what if any legal considerations there may be related to the e-signatures and healthcare (currently, federal courts use only paperless signatures). Is there a cheaper app available for android capable devices, etc. I really want to go paperless and want to know what insights you guys might have. Thanks!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

All I can tell you is one of the federal regulations regarding electronic signatures for the FDA is 21 CFR part 11. It is a good starting place to make electronic signatures equivalent to paper signatures. It applies up drug research but the concepts can be applied to any other healthcare industry.

Electronic records are not common in private duty. They are not required as Medicare does not pay for private duty nursing. You can look at some of the skilled nursing home health products but most relate to OASIS/Medicare requirements. Another option would be to look at some of the industry organizations (if nothing else the advertisers may give you a direction to look for a product that may be customizable)