Medical emergencies have a way of making urgent what was previously postponed. A hospitalization often brings into sharp focus the need for documents that should have been signed long ago — a power of attorney, a healthcare surrogate designation, a will. When time is critical and leaving the hospital is not an option, a bedside notary is the answer.
What Is a Bedside Notary?
A bedside notary is a mobile notary public who travels to a hospital, rehabilitation center, skilled nursing facility, or private home to notarize documents for a patient who cannot travel. The notary brings everything needed — their commission credentials, notary seal, and any required forms — and performs the notarization right at the patient's bedside.
When Is a Bedside Notary Needed?
The most common situations that call for a bedside notary include:
- Signing a power of attorney before surgery or a medical procedure
- Executing a healthcare surrogate designation to authorize a family member to make medical decisions
- Signing a living will or advance directive to document end-of-life wishes
- Completing a last will and testament when a patient's condition is serious
- Signing real estate or financial documents that cannot wait
These situations are often time-sensitive. A patient scheduled for major surgery the next morning may need documents notarized that same evening. Sterling Mobile Notary - Riverview, FL understands the urgency and responds accordingly.
Hospitals and Care Facilities We Serve Near Riverview, FL
We provide bedside notary services at facilities throughout the Riverview area and South Hillsborough County, including:
- HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital (Tampa)
- St. Joseph's Hospital (Tampa)
- Brandon Regional Hospital (Brandon)
- Advent Health Riverview (Riverview)
- Kindred Hospital (Tampa)
- Skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities throughout Hillsborough and Manatee Counties
If your loved one is at a facility not listed here, contact us — we serve a wide area and will do our best to accommodate.
What the Hospital Needs to Know
Most hospitals and care facilities welcome notary visits and have procedures in place for them. When scheduling a bedside notary visit, it helps to:
- Notify the nursing staff that a notary will be visiting
- Confirm visiting hours — some facilities have restricted hours for non-family visitors
- Have the documents ready — unsigned and complete except for the signature lines
- Arrange for witnesses if needed — wills and powers of attorney require two witnesses in addition to the notary
If the patient cannot provide witnesses from their own family or social network, let us know when you call — we may be able to assist with arrangements.
Assessing Mental Capacity
One of the most sensitive aspects of bedside notarizations is the question of mental capacity. A notary public is not a medical professional and cannot make a legal determination of competency. However, a notary is required to use reasonable judgment to assess whether the signer appears to understand what they are signing and is acting voluntarily.
If there is any question about a patient's capacity, it is advisable to have a physician document the patient's competency before the notary appointment. This protects the validity of the documents and provides legal protection for everyone involved.
Pricing and Availability
Sterling Mobile Notary - Riverview, FL provides bedside notary visits throughout Riverview, FL and surrounding areas. We understand that hospital situations don't always happen during business hours, and we do our best to accommodate urgent requests.
Standard notarizations start at $49 for the first document, with additional documents at $10 each. Travel fees may apply for locations outside Riverview. Contact us for availability and to discuss your specific situation — we're here to help.
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