Technicians must evaluate the statement or form received or transaction being conducted
to determine if it requires a wet signature, or an alternative signature applies such
as attestation. For statements, forms or transactions that are approved for attestation,
accept and act upon the telephone response using the signature proxy guidelines in
GN 00201.015. If the statement or form has a traditional pen-and-ink or "wet" signature requirement
specified in POMS, then diary for 20 calendar days pending receipt of the signed statement
or form.
NOTE: This period may be extended to 30 days at local management discretion.
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a.
If the statement or form has not been received by the end of the diary
period, re-contact the source. Re-diary if the statement or form was recently mailed.
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b.
If the claimant cannot be contacted or refuses to cooperate, or if the statement or form has not been received 30 days after the second contact
attempt, use DOTEL procedure to notify FO that direct contact was made, and request
FO follow-up. When FO development is completed, it supersedes the direct contact oral
response. Take appropriate action based on the information provided by the FO.