This paper aims to propose an action plan for the deployment of the use of digital signatures in Belgian healthcare.

This action plan is the result of a number of technical, legal and organisational requirements. It starts by establishing the functional components that are needed to set up a framework for the deployment of digital signatures. The main components should implement an infrastructure for:

– the creation of digital signatures;

– the verification of digital signatures;

– the certification of signature keys;

– the certification of attributes;

– the handling of revocation.

The tasks in the action plan are the logical consequence of all the functions that need to be addressed.

The objective of this report is to list what has to be done and how it can be done in the context of healthcare, rather to state who will perform the functions required.