Key Takeaway
NY appellate court orders framed issue hearing to resolve document signature validity dispute, highlighting ongoing judicial inconsistency in electronic signature cases.
Conflicting Court Decisions Create Uncertainty for Document Authentication
New York’s appellate courts continue to grapple with the thorny issue of document authentication in no-fault insurance litigation, particularly when dealing with electronic signatures and copied documents. A recent decision from the Appellate Term highlights the ongoing judicial struggle to establish consistent standards for determining when medical affirmations and other critical documents meet admissibility requirements.
The case of Park Slope Medical & Surgical Supply demonstrates how courts are increasingly turning to specialized hearings to resolve questions about document validity rather than simply denying motions outright. This procedural shift reflects the complex nature of modern document authentication issues, especially as medical practices and insurance companies increasingly rely on electronic systems for document submission and verification.
Jason Tenenbaum’s Analysis:
Park Slope Med. & Surgical Supply, Inc. v GEICO Ins. Co., 2010 NY Slip Op 20131 (App. Term 2d Dept. 2010)
“While the motion for summary judgment could simply be denied due to the existence of such an issue of fact, we are of the [*2]opinion, under the circumstances presented, that the better practice would be for the Civil Court to hold a hearing pursuant to CPLR 2218 on the limited issue of the validity of the signature upon plaintiff’s doctor’s “affirmation,” which will determine whether the “affirmation” was in admissible form (see also Uniform Rules for Civ Ct § 208.11 ) and, thus, whether defendant’s prima facie showing upon its cross motion was rebutted.”
Dave Gottlieb over at NFP commented on this one. I will add that this case is now at odds with the recently decided case of Ortho-Med Surgical Supply, Inc. v Mercury Cas. Co., 2010 NY Slip Op 50587(U)(App. Term 2d Dept. 2010). Will somebody on the 15th Floor at 141 Livingston Street make up their mind with how this issue should be resolved?
Please. My work flow is being impacted!
Key Takeaway
The Appellate Term’s decision to order a framed issue hearing on signature validity represents a procedural middle ground between outright denial of motions and acceptance of potentially defective documents. However, the conflicting decisions between Park Slope and Ortho-Med demonstrate the urgent need for consistent appellate guidance on electronic signature authentication standards. This judicial uncertainty creates practical challenges for practitioners managing no-fault insurance cases.
Legal Update (February 2026): Since this 2010 post, New York’s no-fault insurance regulations have undergone multiple revisions, particularly regarding electronic document submission standards and authentication requirements. The Department of Financial Services has updated digital signature protocols and medical provider verification procedures, while appellate courts have issued additional precedential decisions on document authentication standards that may supersede the analysis discussed here. Practitioners should verify current CPLR provisions and recent case law developments when addressing document validity issues in no-fault litigation.
