AAMT (American Association for Medical Transcription) position paper. Providers' signatures.

Abstract

Medical transcriptionists are medical language specialists who transcribe dictated patient reports. They interpret and edit raw data (dictation) in as complete, clear, consistent, and correct a manner as possible. Medical transcriptionists can attest to the accuracy of their transcription; they cannot attest to the accuracy of the dictation on which it is based. Patient care and well-being are at risk if proper attention is not given by the healthcare provider to the content of the patient record before the provider's signature is affixed. The provider's signature communicates accuracy of record content that only the provider can give; thus, delegation of authority to affix signatures is inappropriate and should not be allowed.