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