Injured workers' digital signature to be accepted for release of medical records: WorkSafeBC

WorkSafeBC is making it easier for injured workers to get access to their medical records.

Starting next month, the organization will accept digital signatures from injured workers to authorize the release of relevant medical records from their treatment providers.

B.C.’s Electronic Transactions Act allows for digital signatures in place of handwritten pen-to-paper signatures. WorkSafeBC will accept digital signatures drawn on a touch-screen tablet or with a mouse. 

“We don’t anticipate this new service option will generate additional work for treatment providers or medical office assistants. It’s designed to make it easier for workers to provide authorization to WorkSafeBC, reduce administrative and mailing delays, and enable our organization to request records from practitioners earlier,” according to WorkSafeBC.

This will also allow treatment providers and WorkSafeBC to expedite recommendations and referrals for appropriate treatment for injured workers.

Workers can enter a digital signature on their Worker’s Authorization for Release of Personal Information form (Form 69W1) and then upload the form directly to their claim file.

In June, WorkSafeBC called on British Columbia employers to consider closing shop if workers cannot be protected from the risk of heat stress.

Earlier, it launched a province-wide, multi-language campaign focused on several specific actions workers and employers need to take to keep workplaces safe from COVID-19.