Hospital and Medical Center Signings

  If I am needed to notarize a document for a signer that is in a hospital, nursing home, or long-term care facility I am aware that it may already be a difficult or stressful situation. I want to make the signing experience for the signer as stress-free and easy as possible. To accomplish that, there are a few rules that I have set in place to ensure a smooth and easy signing. 

HOSPITALS

• The signer must be alert and aware of what is going on before the notarization can be completed. 
• All medications that would inhibit cognitive awareness must be withheld for an hour prior to my arrival. 
• If I suspect any version of pressure or coercion of the signer, the  room must be cleared of all non-medical personnel. 
• Appointments should not be scheduled during shift changes. Please be mindful of the hospital staff schedule. 
• ID verification of  the signer is important and there are options on how to do that:
  • Government Issued ID
  • 2 credible witnesses-
    • Must personally know the signer
    • Be impartial to the transaction
    • Take an oath or affirmation vouching for the signers identity
    • Present Government ID
    • Sign the Notary Journal
• If the Signer is unable to sign his/her name, there are some options available:
  • Signature by mark; this could be an x or any type of mark the signer is able to make. The mark must have 2 witnesses observe and sign the document. One witness must write the signers name next to his mark, provide ID and sign the Notary Journal.

NURSING HOME/ LONG TERM CARE FACILITY

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

Prices for these signings are as follows and due at the appointment time.

Appointment: $60.00 Fresno County Medical Locations

Appointment: $90.00Madera and Kern County

Per Signature: $15.00