Consent Management Using Distributed Ledger for Secure Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In supervised environments like prisons and social welfare agencies, obtaining consent for services is challenging due to difficulties in managing paper documents, especially with clients who may lose or misplace them, or have impairments, while HIPAA and consent laws require secure and reliable processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using distributed ledger technology, such as blockchain, Hedera Hashgraph, or IOTA Tangle, for secure record-keeping, combined with a consent management service API, consent requesting API, and consent authorizing application to authenticate signatures electronically, eliminating the need for paper documents and ensuring immutable records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper documents are used for consent management, then clients can provide permission for services, but documents are frequently lost or misplaced and management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical paper documents with electronic copies stored in a digital database. The system creates and stores electronic versions of consent forms, eliminating the need for physical paper handling while maintaining the essential information and legal validity of consent documents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical paper-based document management system with an electronic database system. Instead of physically creating, distributing, and storing paper documents, the system uses digital storage and retrieval mechanisms to manage consent documents, eliminating issues related to paper loss and manual handling.
2Ease of operation
If paper documents are carried by clients, then consent can be exchanged, but clients with impairments or immaturity cannot reliably manage papers
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables clients to provide consent through self-service electronic interfaces without needing to physically handle or carry documents. Clients can electronically sign or indicate consent through digital means, eliminating the need for them to manage physical papers while maintaining their ability to provide permission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic database system as an intermediary between the client and the consent process. Instead of directly handling paper documents, clients interact with the system through electronic interfaces, and the database manages the consent records, removing the burden of paper management from clients with impairments.
3Productivity
If consent is obtained before service, then service delivery is streamlined, but secure record-keeping and authentication become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal electronic database system that handles multiple functions: storing consent records, authenticating signatures, maintaining security, and enabling efficient service delivery. This single system replaces multiple separate processes (paper form creation, physical distribution, manual storage, authentication verification) with an integrated electronic solution.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented apparatus and method is provided for authenticating a signature for a consent requiring permission of a person (i.e., a client) under supervision by a first agency for a service by a second agency, such as a service provider, wherein the service from the second agency is requested by the first agency. In the apparatus, the first agency requests a physical signature from the person. The request is made with a text message or QR code linking to a method (for example, a touch screen) for the person to create a signature. The signature and related account information such as the first agency, second agency, and identifying information on the person is entered into a distributed ledger database (DLTD) (e.g., a blockchain database) where it is archived. The service provider can query the DLTD for the signature for consent for the service.