# Accredited Veterinarians; Optional Digital Signature
> **Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service** · Proposed rule. · Published 1997-01-06 · 62 FR 597
## Document
- **Document number:** 97-177
- **Category:** plant-animal-health
- **Sub-agency:** Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- **Federal Register citation:** 62 FR 597
- **CFR reference:** 9 CFR 160
- **Publication date:** 1997-01-06
- **USDA docket:** Docket No. 96-075-1
## Abstract

We are proposing 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. Currently, we require hand written signatures on all such documents. We believe that accepting digital signatures may benefit accredited veterinarians and the industries they serve by reducing the turn around time for these documents. This proposed action would relieve restrictions that appear to be unnecessary.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1997/01/06/97-177/accredited-veterinarians-optional-digital-signature)
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