Coronavirus and Schools: e-Signatures
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
IEP Writer recently shared a way for to electronically sign an IEP document within the system. Are there any pitfalls to using electronic signatures in lieu of original signatures on our Special Ed, gifted ed, and 504 docs?
Electronic signatures are permissible under Pennsylvania law, and the protocol described above is a perfectly valid means of securing a legally-binding signature. Just a reminder: a lawful signature is only required on an initial NOREP, and initial GNORA, a Section 504 Service Agreement, and a Permission to Evaluate or Reevaluate. It is not required on IEPs or on NOREPs and GNORAs other than the initial. Still, having signatures—especially on an IEP, acknowledging participation of the signer—is a welcome feature.