When notarization is done in medical facilities, it is best practice to inform the administrator that you are coming to see their patient. Advise the family to have prior notice.
It is important that the patient is fully aware of what they are signing and willing to sign. Patient must have the ability to understand and communicate. Should there be signs of coercion or confusion, signing can stop.
Documents must be completed and patient must have proper and valid identification. If and when the patient does not have an ID, credible witnesses may be used. The credible witnesses will confirm the signer’s identity, under oath, and this will all be documented in the notary journal.
If the patient can not sign, signature by mark or proxy may be used depending on your State code. The patient may sign with a mark. Again, this require witnesses. It is the signer’s responsibility to provide witnesses. Witnesses only witness the mark made by the patient on the document.
There are facilities that may require special witnesses (ombudsman) for their type of service such as Advanced Health Care Directives for Skilled Nursing Facility. They are patient advocate
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