Hospital & Medical Facilities

Our Signing Process at Hospital and Medical Facilities

A few common documents that may require notarization during these types of stays are:

• Powers of Attorney

• Healthcare Directive

• Living Will

• Healthcare Proxy

• HIPAA Waiver

• Banking Documents and more.

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Remember the following precautions:

1. The signer must have a valid unexpired driver's license or government-issued ID.

2. The signer must be able to understand the content and purpose of the document.

3. The signer must sign the document voluntarily and be able to write his or her name without any help from others.

4. The signer must be alert and aware of what is going on before the notarization can be completed. 

5. The signer must not be affected by psychoactive substances such as painkillers, drugs, tranquilizers, etc.

6. If witnesses are needed, please ensure that the witness is present.

   • A witness must be 18 years or older, of sound mind, and have no interest in the parties.

   • Must personally know the signer

   • Be impartial to the transaction

   • Take an oath or affirmation vouching for the signer’s identity

   • Present government-issued ID

   • Sign the Notary Journal

7. If the Signer is unable to sign his/her name, there is another option available:

   • Signature by mark; this could be an "X" or any type of mark the signer is able to make. The mark must have two (2) witnesses observe and sign the document. One witness must write the signer’s name next to their mark, provide ID, and sign the Notary Journal.

8. Healthcare workers, nurses, aids, and other employees of the facility, as well as the notary, are ineligible to act as witnesses.

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NURSING HOME/LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY

The same requirements for hospital signings apply to nursing homes/long-term care facility signings. One additional item, however, is all signings must be witnessed by a patient advocate called an Ombudsman.

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ATTENTION

• Appointments should not be scheduled during shift changes. Please be mindful of the hospital staff schedule.