Q: Legal verification of authenticity

A: Under California law, there are a few ways to legally verify the authenticity of hospital/provider contracts without relying on depositions:

1. Request certified copies: You can request certified copies of the contracts directly from the hospital. A certified copy is a copy of a document that has been certified as a true and exact reproduction of the original by an authorized person, usually by affixing a stamp, seal, or statement attesting to its authenticity.

2. Subpoena duces tecum: You can serve the hospital with a subpoena duces tecum, which is a legal request for the production of documents. This would compel the hospital to provide the original contracts or authenticated copies for inspection.

3. Affidavits or declarations: You can request that a custodian of records or another authorized representative of the hospital provide an affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury attesting to the authenticity of the contracts.

4. Stipulations: If the other party is cooperative, you might be able to reach a stipulation agreeing to the authenticity of the contracts, which would avoid the need for further verification.

5. Forensic analysis: In cases where the authenticity of the contracts is disputed, you may need to engage a forensic document examiner to analyze the original documents for signs of alteration or forgery.

It's essential to consult with a California-licensed attorney who specializes in healthcare law or contracts to determine the most appropriate method for your specific situation and to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.