In-Person Witnessed Enrollment

In-person witnessed enrollment is a secure and compliant method for establishing digital identities in healthcare, ensuring that every authenticator is tied to a verified individual. This approach is particularly important for scenarios where patients or staff members cannot complete online self-service registration, such as unhoused patients or seniors who need assistance accessing electronic health records (EHRs) or communicating with clinicians. In-person witnessed enrollment provides a human-centered way to verify identity and securely create EHR accounts, maintaining patient access to vital medical services when digital options are unavailable. By combining trusted witnesses with auditable verification processes, this method upholds the integrity of digital identity systems and extends inclusivity across healthcare settings.

From a regulatory standpoint, in-person witnessed enrollment supports DEA compliance and other stringent identity-proofing requirements. The Drug Enforcement Administration mandates that credential issuance for electronic prescriptions of controlled substances (EPCS) must follow rigorous identity verification processes. In-person witnessed enrollment satisfies these rules by ensuring that an authorized employee or clinician confirms the identity of the individual enrolling. This safeguards against impersonation, credential misuse, and other forms of medical record fraud. Furthermore, it aligns with the security standards required for medical record authentication and reinforces trust in digital workflows that rely on verified identities.

Healthcare organizations also rely on in-person witnessed enrollment to maintain secure medical record sharing across systems and networks. By anchoring authentication to a verified identity, organizations can confidently exchange health data and reduce the risk of breaches caused by weak or compromised credentials. In environments where clinicians and patients must move quickly — such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community clinics — this enrollment method ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive information. It creates a foundation for seamless, compliant, and patient-centered care delivery.

At Imprivata, we take enrollment seriously. Our Enterprise Access Management (EAM) platform supports both in-person witnessed enrollment and online self-service enrollment with ID verification, ensuring that every authenticator is securely linked to a validated individual. This dual approach meets DEA compliance requirements while enabling healthcare organizations to serve diverse patient populations, including those unable to use digital self-service tools. Each enrollment action is fully auditable, enhancing accountability and regulatory alignment. With Imprivata healthcare solutions, organizations can confidently implement passwordless workflows, strengthen medical record authentication, and provide equitable access to digital healthcare—without compromising on security or compliance.