Section 530.320  Electronic Signature Code

a)         An electronic signature code, consisting of encrypted data using a combination of a verified Internet Filer's name, social security number, and date of birth, is to be used in lieu of a written signature for electronic applications filed with the Department under this Subpart C.

b)         An electronic signature code will be verified by the Department during the login process to this program and applies to all data entered by a verified Internet Filer on the separate screens comprising an electronic application transmitted to the Department via the Internet upon completion.

c)         Transmitting an electronic signature code as part of a completed electronic application has the same legal effect as if a verified Internet Filer had signed and submitted a paper application to the Department for the claim year, including but not limited to:

1)         Authentication by the Department of a request by an individual to be verified as an Internet Filer for the current claim year;

2)         A penalty of perjury statement (see 320 ILCS 25/9);

3)         A release of records to the Department for eligibility determinations (see 320 ILCS 25/4);

4)         Assignment to the Department of prescription drug benefits paid by third parties (see 320 ILCS 25/6(d)(4));

5)         Consent to the repayment of erroneous or unauthorized benefits to the Department (see 320 ILCS 25/9);

6)         Release of medical and pharmaceutical records to the Department for audit and authentication purposes as well as the operation of a drug utilization review service; and

7)         Request to waive confidentiality for the limited purpose of viewing or printing a paper copy of a completed electronic application transmitted to the Department via the Internet under this Subpart C.

d)         In accordance with the confidentiality provisions of the Act (see 320 ILCS 25/8(a)), an electronic application will be considered unsigned unless all components of a verified Internet Filer's electronic signature code are transmitted to the Department via the Internet and the Department issues a confirmation number to the verified Internet Filer to acknowledge receipt of its transmission and to confirm the timely filing of a completed electronic application under the program.

e)         An electronic signature code will be considered valid until:

1)         A verified Internet Filer notifies the Department that his or her electronic signature code has been compromised; or

2)         The Department determines that a verified Internet Filer's electronic signature code has been compromised.

f)         If a verified Internet Filer exits the program after transmitting his or her electronic application to the Department via the Internet, he or she will be allowed limited re-access for the purpose of viewing or printing a paper copy of his or her completed electronic application by entering his or her electronic signature code at the screen prompt for the appropriate request during the login process to the program.

(Source:  Added at 26 Ill. Reg. 8437, effective May 24, 2002)