# Accredited Veterinarians; Optional Digital Signature
> **Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service** · Final rule. · Published 1997-05-09 · Effective 1997-05-09 · 62 FR 25444
## Document
- **Document number:** 97-12084
- **Category:** plant-animal-health
- **Sub-agency:** Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- **Federal Register citation:** 62 FR 25444
- **CFR reference:** 9 CFR 160
- **Publication date:** 1997-05-09
- **Effective date:** 1997-05-09
- **USDA docket:** Docket No. 96-075-2
## Abstract

We are amending the regulations to accept digital signatures from accredited veterinarians as an additional option for official certificates, forms, records, and reports to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Before the publication of this document, we required hand written signatures on all such documents. We believe that accepting digital signatures will benefit accredited veterinarians and the industries they serve by reducing the turnaround time for these documents. This action relieves restrictions that appear to be unnecessary.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1997/05/09/97-12084/accredited-veterinarians-optional-digital-signature)
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