Care Facility and Medical Notary

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 signer’s 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 signer’s 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 homes/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.

Facility Fee: $75.00: On-site notary

Per Signature: $5.00

Service/Travel Fee: $10 Geauga County, $20 Cuyahoga, Lake, $15 Ashtabula, $15 Portgage