The digitalisation of the healthcare system requires secure and legally compliant procedures for the electronic signing of sensitive documents. In telemedicine in particular, the qualified electronic signature (QES) in the form of the remote signature offers a practicable and efficient solution – especially for the digital issuing of e-prescriptions.

Illustration of a doctor with a stethoscope looking out of the screen of a laptop, holding and pointing at a bottle of medication, surrounded by speech bubbles with symbols for heart rate, radiation exposure and lungs

What is a QES remote signature?

The qualified electronic signature, QES for short, is the highest form of electronic signature and, according to the eIDAS Regulation, is equivalent to a handwritten signature. With the QES remote signature, signature verification takes place via a secure infrastructure at the trust service provider.

This means:

  • No signature card, card reader or hardware token required
  • Signature independent of location via smartphone or web interface with stable internet connection
  • Legally binding and auditable within the EU

In contrast to the classic signature card, no physical card is required for the remote signature. Nevertheless, both variants are based on qualified certificates issued by a certification authority. These certificates guarantee the identification of the person signing and the integrity of the document. Authentication takes place in a secure environment, for example using two-factor procedures.

Professionals such as doctors, pharmacists and lawyers also benefit from the legally compliant use of remote signatures, especially if they regularly have to sign digital documents or contracts.

Advantages of the QES remote signature for ePrescriptions

Providers of digital healthcare services in particular benefit considerably from the qualified remote signature in conjunction with the ePrescription:

  • Increased efficiency: ePrescriptions, declarations, written statements, consents and other files can be digitally signed quickly
  • Legal conformity: fulfils the requirements of the eIDAS Regulation, the Federal Chamber of Notaries (BNotK) and the written form requirements for legally signed documents
  • Security: With the right electronic signature solution, confidential medical data and documents remain protected in the local environment, e.g. in a German data centre
  • Scalability: Ideal for decentralised teams, medical professionals and growing companies
  • Trust through verified certificates: The trust services guarantee the highest standards in signature creation and verification

Application example: Telemedicine provider with QES functionality

Since 2024, a specialised telemedicine platform has been offering the option of issuing e-prescriptions directly following an online consultation via QES remote signature.

Doctors can digitally sign prescriptions in less than 30 seconds. The technical integration takes place without local hardware, which means that even mobile doctors remain flexible.

Patients receive their e-prescription directly via the platform and can choose to use it:

  • to a connected mail-order pharmacy or
  • at a listed local partner on site.

The result: a seamless, efficient process with plenty of flexibility for everyone involved – fast, secure and legally compliant.

QES & eIDAS: The legal framework

The legal basis for qualified electronic signatures is set out in the eIDAS Regulation (EU) No. 910/2014. Trust service providers that enable QES must be listed in the EU Trusted List. The following applies to medical applications:

  • The signature must be based on a qualified certificate issued by a recognised certification authority
  • The identity of the signatory must be confirmed by a secure identification procedure (e.g. Video-Ident)
  • Signatures are created using a certified signature creation device
  • This gives users maximum legal certainty and traceability

Contracts such as Federal Bar Association agreements (BRAK) or medical law agreements, as well as medical prescriptions, can also be concluded with a qualified electronic signature in a legally secure manner.

Illustration of a man with a headache being offered a large medication pill by a doctor on a smartphone screen, surrounded by medication containers and a plant.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between QES and QES remote signature?

The QES remote signature is a variant of the qualified electronic signature that does not require any local hardware or signature card. The signature is created via a secure server environment of the trust service.

Is a QES remote signature for ePrescriptions permitted by law?

Yes, according to the eIDAS Regulation, the QES remote signature is equivalent to a handwritten signature and is therefore also legally permissible for medical applications such as e-prescriptions or contracts with a written form requirement.

How long does a digital signature with QES take?

With a well-integrated solution, ePrescriptions can be digitally signed in less than 30 seconds – ideal for medical workflows.

Which providers offer QES remote signature solutions for telemedicine?

Look out for trust service providers and signature creation devices that are either directly listed in the EU Trusted List or offer a connection to one as a signature platform. Providers with explicit solutions for electronic signatures in the healthcare sector with a high level of user-friendliness are particularly suitable for use. These are often front-end solutions for electronic signatures that work together with one or more TSPs. Check that all legal and internal company requirements are covered.

Conclusion

Rely on the QES remote signature to digitally sign prescriptions with maximum security, efficiency and legal compliance.

Contact us and let us advise you now.