Hearing “notary” may seem only for things like divorce paperwork, but notarization needs expand far beyond that! Many are also needing a notary in medical settings. Whether it’s an emergency admittance or updating regular paperwork, notaries will always be involved.
The most common documents completed in a medical center are:
- Power of Attorney
- Living Wills
- Banking and/or Mortgage Documents
- HIPAA Waivers
- Certification of Trust
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows immediate completion, rather than waiting for a mobile notary to come to you in person. And with the time sensitive nature, the sooner things are done, the better. Legal documents can be hard enough without the added stress of an unpredictable situation.
One big issue at in person signings: waiting for the notary to be present to fill out the paperwork. They can’t give any legal advice! Including answering questions about how you should complete the forms. Why rush to try to find the answer or risk an incorrect affidavit? RON makes it easy to just reschedule within the same day, or even within the same hour.
Hospital Notary Responsibilities
Notaries need to be careful in these settings, both in person or remotely. eNotaries may need to work with hospital staff, making sure no one is present who may be pressuring the signer, and confirming the patient is coherent or affected by any medications.
Waiting on documents can be the difference between someone getting the medical care they need or not. eNotarization platforms offer a way to mitigate any issues that can arise with coordinating in-person meetings.
Patient care is critical in any medical facility! Removing the hassle of finding an available mobile notary can make a huge difference in a patient and/or their family’s experience. Having on-site notaries is convenient, sure. But unlimited notaries available when the patients are ready? That’s next level care no medical office should be missing out on.
General Questions About Hospitals Have Notaries
How are notaries trained to handle sensitive medical situations?
Notaries in medical settings receive specialized training, covering HIPAA for patient privacy, detecting coercion, and assessing signer capacity. Ethical considerations unique to healthcare are emphasized, ensuring notaries can navigate legal formalities with compassion.
What are the legal implications of documents signed under duress or medication?
Documents signed under duress or medication may be contested in court if the signer lacked mental capacity or was pressured. Notaries play a crucial role in verifying signer awareness, especially challenging in fluctuating medical conditions.
How do hospitals ensure 24/7 notary availability, especially in rural areas?
Hospitals use on-site notaries during business hours and Remote Online Notarization (RON) for extended access. RON breaks geographical barriers, while partnerships with local services or volunteer networks fill gaps, ensuring accessible and efficient notarization services in healthcare.
