Notarizing Documents at Hospitals and Care Facilities

Hospital signings are some of the most important — and most emotional — calls I take. The paperwork is usually a durable power of attorney, health care surrogate, living will, or last-minute estate document. Time is short, the rules still apply.

The signer must be competent

Florida law requires the signer to be aware of what they are signing, of their own free will, and able to communicate that to me. If the patient is sedated, confused, or unable to respond, I cannot notarize the document. This is non-negotiable and it protects the patient.

Valid ID is still required

Hospitals do not replace the ID requirement. If the patient's wallet is at home, send a family member to pick it up. Alternatively, Florida allows identification by the sworn statement of one credible witness who personally knows the signer and is not named in the document — but ID is always preferred.

Witnesses

Powers of attorney and many estate documents require two witnesses. Witnesses cannot be hospital staff who are providing care to the patient, and generally cannot be people named in the document. I will help you find appropriate witnesses on site.

Booking

I take hospital calls evenings and weekends. The earlier you reach out, the faster I can be on the way.