The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, signed by President Clinton in June, gives electronic signatures the same legal weight as paper signatures. Highlights of the law include the following: consumers must consent to the use of electronic signatures; consumers must be offered the choice of electronic means or pen/paper; and electronic signatures cannot be used to cancel health or life insurance benefits except for annuities. Digital signatures will also reduce paperwork and avoid phone tag with colleagues and other caregivers. However, because of possible inadequacies in security standards, physicians should be cautious. The law makes electronic signatures valid in all 50 states, but health care requires stronger security standards. For more information, visit www.ama-assn.org.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski
June 26th 2025In the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.