During hospitalization and nursing homes in the United States, family members may need significant documents notarized, such as a power of attorney or will, so that they can help sick or elderly family members handle some banking, real estate sales, or bill payment matters.
Document Type
During the hospital, nursing home, or other health care facilities stay, you may need the following notarized documents:
Durable Power of Attorney
Health Care Proxy
Living Will
Certification of Trust
HIPAA Waiver or Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information
Assignment of Personal Property
Mortgage & Banking Documents
Why notaries?
“Properties are conveyed, contracts are honored, adoptions are finalized, estate plans are established and medical wishes are respected — all because documents bearing the authenticating signature and seal of a Notary Public are trusted. The notarial act is the foundation of trust and the Notaries who perform them are Society’s guarantors of integrity and authenticity.”
Tips:
In hospitals and nursing homes, we often find that signers are unable to move around freely. They’re often stuck in a room with equipment connected to them that beeps or buzzes; armbands or leg stockings that squeeze their limbs; and IV bags hanging on poles, etc. They may be lying down, draped in a gown and thin blanket, and not physically or mentally at their finest. All, before doing the notarization, the following precautions are worth paying attention to:
The signer must have a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
The signer must be able to understand the content and purpose of the document, sign the document voluntarily, and be able to write his own name without any help from others.
The signer must not be affected by psychoactive substances such as painkillers, drugs, tranquilizers, alcohol, etc. He or she should be alert, aware, and willing to sign documents. To protect the signer, the notary of the American Notary Service Center Inc. will refuse to notarize any patient or signer who appears to be mentally unsound or incapacitated.
If the signer’s family or other visitors cause any kind of commotion, the notary may ask them to leave the room temporarily to ensure that the signer is not under external pressure or command.
Before the notary arrives, the signer should prepare completed documents with no blanks (except for the signature and notarial certificates part).
If witnesses are needed, please ensure that the witness is also present. Generally speaking, a witness must be at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and have no interest in the parties. It is the obligation of the signer to find witnesses, and the American Notary Service Center Inc. does not provide witnesses.
The duty of a notary is to verify the identity of the signer and their willingness to sign the documents, not to provide legal advice. For details of the documents, please confirm with lawyers, professionals, or individuals or organizations requesting documents.
American Notary Service Center Inc. provides fair, fast, confidential, and professional document notarization and certification services for our clients. We also provide various assistance services to small businesses led by socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Our service helps small businesses obtain federal government contracts, gain a foothold in the market, and boost their sales. For more information, please visit our website at www.usnotarycenter.com, and contact us by calling 202-599-0777 or by email at info@usnotarycenter.com.