Compare FDA electronic systems Q&A and 21 CFR Part 11

How to read this page

Details: Guide Definitions: every term and label explained

How they are linked

Side by side

FDA electronic systems Q&A21 CFR Part 11
AuthorityFDAFDA
Legal weightGuidance & Q&ALaw & regulation
StatusFinalIn force
Last verifiedNot yetNot yet
Summary

FDA recommendations for sponsors, clinical investigators, review boards and contract research organisations on using electronic systems, records and signatures in clinical investigations, and when FDA treats them as equivalent to paper records and handwritten signatures.

The US regulation setting the conditions under which FDA treats electronic records and signatures as equivalent to paper records and handwritten signatures: validation, audit trails, access controls, record protection and signature controls.

Lifecycle
  • 1 Oct 2024 Final guidance issued (October 2024)
  • ~1 Mar 1997 Final rule issued (March 1997)
  • 20 Aug 1997 Effective
SourceOfficial text
Source: FDA. Public domain.
Official text
Source: FDA. Public domain.

These facts are placed side by side from each record. This page does not say which is stricter or whether requirements differ. Read the official texts.