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HIPAAsign vs. Form Signature Component: Which One Do I Need?

HIPAAtizer has two ways to collect signatures: the Signature component (built into every form) and HIPAAsign (for sending documents out to multiple signers). They do different things. If only one person needs to sign, or everyone is signing on the same device, use the Signature component. If signers are in different locations and need to sign at different times, use HIPAAsign.

tip

If only the person filling out the form needs to sign, use the Signature component. If multiple people need to sign the same document in a specific order from different locations, use HIPAAsign.

What each option does​

The Signature component is a form field. You drag it onto your form, and the person filling out the form signs before they submit. You can add multiple Signature components to the same form if more than one person needs to sign during the same session - for example, a patient and a witness both signing at the front desk, or on a shared tablet in kiosk mode. One signer at a time, same device.

HIPAAsign is a separate workflow for sending documents out for signatures when signers are not in the same place. It notifies each signer by email (and optionally SMS), authenticates them before they can view the document, and moves through signers one at a time in the order you set. You can track the status of each envelope as it makes its way through the signing chain.

Requirements​

Signature component​

Available on all plans (Free, Silver, Gold, Gold Plus, Platinum), for both Covered Entity and Developer accounts. No extra cost, no usage limits.

HIPAAsign​

Available on Gold Plus and Platinum plans (see pricing for current rates and envelope allotments). Each signing workflow uses one envelope. You can purchase more if you run out. Available for Covered Entity accounts only.

How it works​

Signature component​

The Signature component is a form field you drag into your form in the Form Builder, same as any other component. When someone fills out your form, they sign right there before submitting.

Two signature modes are available:

  • Draw - sign with a mouse, stylus, or finger on a touchscreen
  • Generate - type a name and pick from generated signature styles

The signature gets saved as an image with the form submission. It shows up in the submission PDF and you can reference it using form variables in email notifications and templates.

HIPAAsign​

HIPAAsign works through envelopes. An envelope holds a document and defines who signs it and in what order.

The process:

  1. Create an envelope - upload a document or pick a completed form submission
  2. Add signers - name, email, and optionally a phone number for SMS notifications
  3. Set the signing order - signers get the document one at a time, in the sequence you choose
  4. Each signer gets an email (and optional SMS) when it's their turn
  5. Signers verify their identity before they can access the document
  6. Once everyone has signed, the completed document is ready for download

Comparison table​

FeatureSignature componentHIPAAsign
Number of signersOne per field, but you can add multiple Signature fields to the same form for shared-device signing (e.g., kiosk mode)Multiple signers in different locations, in sequence
How it worksField on a formSeparate envelope workflow
Signer notificationN/A - signers are already on the formEmail and SMS
Signer authenticationN/AYes, identity verification required
Available plansAll plansGold Plus and Platinum
CostIncludedUses envelope credits
Signature typesDraw or Generate (typed)Draw
API supportCollected via form submission APIDedicated HIPAAsign API
Works in Form PacketsYesNo
info

HIPAAsign envelopes cannot be included as a step in a Form Packet. If you need a multi-form workflow that also collects signatures, use the Signature component within each form in the packet.

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