This specification covers the use of digital signatures to provide authentication of healthcare information, as described in Guide E 1762. It describes how the components of a digital signature system meet the requirements specified in Guide E 1762. This includes specification of allowable signature and hash algorithms, management of public and private keys, and specific formats for keys, certificates, and signed healthcare documents.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E31 on Healthcare Informatics, this specification was withdrawn in February 2009 in accordance with section 10.5.3.1 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

This specification covers the use of digital signatures to provide authentication of healthcare information. It describes how the components of a digital signature system meet specified requirements, including specification of allowable signature and hash algorithms, management of public and private keys, and specific formats for keys, certificates, and signed healthcare documents. This specification, however, does not prescribe any particular policy regarding which documents shall be authenticated, and by whom.

1.1 This specification covers the use of digital signatures to provide authentication of healthcare information, as described in Guide E 1762. It describes how the components of a digital signature system meet the requirements specified in Guide E 1762. This includes specification of allowable signature and hash algorithms, management of public and private keys, and specific formats for keys, certificates, and signed healthcare documents.

1.2 This specification should be read in conjunction with Guide E 1762, which describes the scope of, and requirements for, authentication of healthcare information. This specification describes one implementation (digital signatures) that meets all of the requirements of Guide E 1762. It does not prescribe any particular policy regarding which documents shall be authenticated, and by whom.