QES Remote Signature and ePrescription: Digital Signature for Telemedicine Providers

The digitalization of the healthcare sector requires secure and legally compliant methods for electronically signing sensitive documents. Especially in telemedicine, the qualified electronic signature (QES) in the form of a remote signature offers a practical and efficient solution – particularly for digitally issuing ePrescriptions.

Telemedizinplattform mit Ärztin, die Patienten berät und digital Medizin verschreibt.

What is a QES Remote Signature?

The qualified electronic signature, or QES for short, is the highest level of electronic signature and is equivalent to a handwritten signature under the eIDAS regulation. With the QES remote signature, the signature verification takes place via a secured infrastructure hosted by the trust service provider.

This means:

  • No signature card, card reader, or hardware token required
  • Signature can be placed remotely via smartphone or web interface with a stable internet connection
  • Legally binding and auditable within the EU

Unlike the traditional signature card, the remote signature does not require a physical card. However, both variants rely on qualified certificates issued by a certification authority. These certificates guarantee the identification of the signing person and the integrity of the document. Authentication occurs in a secure environment, such as through a two-factor authentication process.

Professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, or lawyers also benefit from the legally secure use of remote signatures, especially when they need to sign digital documents or contracts regularly.

Benefits of QES Remote Signature for ePrescriptions

Providers of digital health services, in particular, benefit significantly from using the qualified remote signature in conjunction with ePrescriptions:

 

  • Increased efficiency: ePrescriptions, consent forms, documents, and other files can be digitally signed quickly
  • Legal compliance: Meets the requirements of the eIDAS regulation, the Federal Chamber of Notaries (BNotK), and formal requirements for legally compliant signed documents
  • Security: Confidential medical data and documents remain protected within the local environment – e.g., in a German data center – when using the right electronic signature solution
  • Scalability: Ideal for decentralized teams, professionals, and growing companies
  • Trust through verified certificates: Trust services ensure the highest standards in signature creation and verification

Use Case: Telemedicine Provider with QES Functionality

Since 2024, a specialized telemedicine platform has offered the ability to issue ePrescriptions directly after an online consultation via QES remote signature.

Doctors can digitally sign prescriptions in less than 30 seconds. The technical integration requires no local hardware, enabling even mobile doctors to remain flexible.

Patients receive their ePrescription directly via the platform and can either:

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

The result: A seamless, efficient process with high flexibility for everyone involved – fast, secure, and legally compliant.

QES and eIDAS: The Legal Framework

The legal foundations of the qualified electronic signature are established in the eIDAS Regulation (EU) No. 910/2014. Trust service providers offering QES must be listed in the EU Trusted List. For medical applications, the following applies:

  • The signature must be based on a qualified certificate issued by a recognized certification authority
  • The identity of the signing person must be verified via a secure identification process (e.g., video identification)
  • Signature creation must occur via a certified signature creation device
  • Users are thus provided with the highest level of legal certainty and traceability

Even legal contracts – such as agreements under the Federal Bar Association (BRAK) or medical law contracts – can be signed securely and legally with a qualified electronic signature.

 
Ein Patient mit Schmerzen telefoniert va Videotelefonie mit einer Ärztin, die im Medikamente gibt, als Sinnbild für ein digitales Rezept.

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 local hardware or a signature card. The signature is created in a secure server environment of the trust service provider.

Is the QES remote signature legally allowed for ePrescriptions?

Yes, under the eIDAS regulation, the QES remote signature is equivalent to a handwritten signature and thus legally permissible for medical applications such as ePrescriptions or contracts requiring written form.

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 for trust service providers and signature creation devices that are listed in the EU Trusted List or platforms that integrate with such providers. Especially those offering tailored electronic signature solutions for the healthcare sector with high user-friendliness are suitable. These are often frontend solutions for electronic signatures that connect to one or more TSPs. Make sure all legal and internal company requirements are covered.

Conclusion

Use QES remote signing to sign prescriptions digitally with maximum security, efficiency and legal compliance .

Contact us for advice now.

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