Library: Policy
317:30-3-4.1. Uniform Electronic Transaction Act
Revised 9-14-18
These rules regulate the format, use, and retention of electronic records and signatures generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), in conformity with the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act, found at Section 15-101 et seq. of Title 12A of the Oklahoma Statutes.
(1) Use of electronic records and electronic signatures. The rules regarding electronic records and electronic signatures apply when both parties agree to conduct business electronically. Nothing in these regulations requires parties to conduct business electronically. However, should a party have the capability and desire to conduct business electronically with the OHCA, then the following guidelines must be adhered to:
(A) Only employees designated by the provider's agency may make entries in the member's medical record. All entries in the member's medical record must be dated and authenticated with a method established to identify the author. The identification method may include computer keys, Private/Public Key Infrastructure (PKIs), voice authentication systems that utilize a personal identification number (PIN) and voice authentication, or other codes. Providers must have a process in place to deactivate an employee's access to records upon termination of employment of the designated employee.
(B) When PKIs, computer key/code(s), voice authentication systems or other codes are used, a signed statement must be completed by the agency's employee documenting that the chosen method is under the sole control of the person using it and further demonstrate that:
(i) A list of PKIs, computer key/code(s), voice authentication systems or other codes can be verified;
(ii) All adequate safeguards are maintained to protect against improper or unauthorized use of PKIs, computer keys, or other codes for electronic signatures; and
(iii) Sanctions are in place for improper or unauthorized use of computer key/code(s), PKIs, voice authentication systems or other code types of electronic signatures.
(C) There must be a specific action by the author to indicate that the entry is verified and accurate. Systems requiring an authentication process include, but are not limited to:
(i) Computerized systems that require the provider's employee to review the document online and indicate that it has been approved by entering a unique computer key/code capable of verification;
(ii) A system in which the provider's employee signs off against a list of entries that must be verified in the member's records;
(iii) A mail system that sends transcripts to the provider's employee for review;
(iv) A postcard identifying and verifying the accuracy of the record(s) signed and returned by the provider's employee; or
(v) A voice authentication system that clearly identifies the author by a designated PIN or security code.
(D) Auto-authentication systems that authenticate a report prior to the transcription process do not meet the stated requirements and will not be an acceptable method for the authentication process.
(E) The authentication of an electronic medical record (signature and date entry) is expected on the day the record is completed. If the electronic medical record is transcribed by someone other than the provider, the signature of the rendering provider and date entry is expected within three (3) business days from the day the record is completed. Before any claim is submitted to the OHCA for payment of a provided service, the provider must authenticate the electronic medical records relating to that service.
(F) Records may be edited by designated administrators within the provider's facility. Edits must be in the form of a correcting entry which preserves entries from the original record. Edits must be completed prior to claims submission or no later than forty-five (45) days after the date of service, whichever occurs first.
(G) Use of the electronic signature, for clinical documentation, shall be deemed to constitute a signature and will have the same effect as a written signature on the clinical documentation. The section of the electronic record documenting the service provided must be authenticated by the employee or individual who provided the described service.
(H) Any authentication method for electronic signatures must:
(i) be unique to the person using it;
(ii) identify the individual signing the document by name and title;
(iii) be capable of verification, assuring that the documentation cannot be altered after the signature has been affixed;
(iv) be under the sole control of the person using it;
(v) be linked to the data in such a manner that if the data is changed, the signature is invalidated; and
(vi) provide strong and substantial evidence that will make it difficult for the signer to claim that the electronic representation is not valid.
(I) Failure to properly maintain or authenticate medical records (i.e., signature and date entry) may result in the denial or recoupment of SoonerCare payments.
(2) Record retention for provider medical records. Providers must retain electronic medical records and have access to the records in accordance with guidelines found at OAC 317:30-3-15.
(3) Record retention for documents submitted to OHCA electronically.
(A) The OHCA's system provides that receivers of electronic information may both print and store the electronic information they receive. The OHCA is the custodian of the original electronic record and will retain that record in accordance with a disposition schedule as referenced by the Records Destruction Act. The OHCA will retain an authoritative copy of the transferable record as described in the Electronic Transaction Act that is unique, identifiable and unalterable.
(i) Manner and format of electronic signature. The manner and format required by the OHCA will vary dependent upon whether the sender of the document is a member or a provider. In the limited case where a provider is a client, the manner and format is dependent upon the function served by the receipt of the record. In the case the function served is a request for services, then the format required is that required by a recipient. In the case the function served is related to payment for services, then the format required is that required by a provider.
(ii) Member format requirements. The OHCA will allow members to request SoonerCare services electronically. An electronic signature will be authenticated after a validation of the data on the form by another database or databases.
(iii) Provider format requirements. The OHCA will permit providers to contract with the OHCA, check and amend claims filed with the OHCA, and file prior authorization requests with the OHCA. Providers with a social security number or federal employer's identification number will be given a PIN. After using the PIN to access the database, a PIN will be required to transact business electronically.
(B) Providers with the assistance of the OHCA will be required to produce and enforce a security policy that outlines who has access to their data and what transaction employees are permitted to complete as outlined in the policy rules for electronic records and electronic signatures contained in paragraph two (2) of this section.
(C) Third Party billers for providers will be permitted to perform electronic transaction as stated in paragraph two (2) only after the provider authorizes access to the provider's PIN and a power of attorney by the provider is executed.
(4) Time and place of sending and receipt. The provisions of the Electronic Transaction Act apply to the time and place of sending and receipt. Should a power failure, internet interruption or internet virus occur, confirmation by the receiving party will be required to establish receipt.
(5) Illegal representations of electronic transaction. Any person who fraudulently represents facts in an electronic transaction, acts without authority, or exceeds his or her authority to perform an electronic transaction may be prosecuted under all applicable criminal and civil laws.
