It takes a certain kind of person to come into a Hospital setting and 
put a client as ease. Patients do not need added stress; they need a helping hand in a difficult situation. It’s important to have the utmost respect and compassion for signers who are under the care of a hospital and nursing home/retirement home.
As a Notary Public, it’s my job to make sure the signer is aware of the document they are signing.

One of the problems with signing Wills that I have encountered is that many of the clients order the forms from the internet. 

I do not recommend this as I have later found that most of these packages are incomplete and can be challenged in a court of law.

Hospitals do provide Advanced Directive forms. They include a Living Will, a Durable Power of Attorney for Medical Affairs (this one has the advanced directives included) and a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs. You may even see a Last Will & Testament in this package as well.


Does the signer understand the document? - Is the signer drugged?

Make sure that the nurses know not to drug the signer within eight hours of the signing. Make sure the family members of the signing are watching the signer at all times to make sure the nurses don't slip them any Valium or mind altering medications, otherwise the signing is off.
HELPFUL LINKS

Advance Directive Directions: https://www.nhpco.org/wp-content/uploads/California.pdf


How to: Critical Care/End of Life Conversation: http://theconversationproject.org/starter-kit/intro/
Picture
NOTARY FEE: $15 per Notarized Signature plus travel fee of $50 at Skilled Nursing Facilities and a $75 travel fee at Hospital Settings.

​Waiting time after 15 minutes will result in additional fees of $10.00 every 20 minutes.

*NOTE: Notary fees are established pursuant to California law and a reasonable travel fee as agreed upon between the parties prior to the appointment. Travel fee adjusted for distance.

ONE HOUR BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT 
 1.  Wake them up at least an hour before appointment.
 2.  Is the signer drugged? Valium or mind altering medications and signings don't mix. Make sure they understand the notarization of the documents.  
  3.  Can the signer sign their name? Have a family member test them out before the appointment.  If not - to sign by Mark — have 2 “disinterested” witnesses available. 
4.  Do you have the ID in your hand? Please read it to me again. 
5.  Please confirm you have the document(s) and that they are filled out completely prior to my arrival for notarization.