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Coquina Notary
(904) 526-8871, call Text Book an appointment
Bedside signings, handled with care

Hospital and Assisted-Living Notary

When a family member is in the hospital or has moved into a care community, documents cannot wait for a trip to an office. Coquina Notary comes to the bedside at hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes and assisted-living communities, with HIPAA compliance training from 360 Regulatory Compliance and the patience these appointments need.

Book a hospital or care-facility signing Text (904) 526-8871

Facilities we visit

We visit Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and Baptist South, UF Health Jacksonville, Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside and Southside, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, Brooks Rehabilitation, UF Health Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, and the rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, memory-care and assisted-living communities across Duval and St. Johns counties.

Documents families most often need

  • Durable powers of attorney and healthcare surrogate designations
  • Living wills and advance healthcare directives
  • Wills and trust documents prepared by the family's attorney
  • Affidavits, insurance and benefits forms
  • Deeds and real estate documents when a home is being sold or transferred

What Florida law requires at a bedside signing

The rules are the same as anywhere else, and they matter more here. The signer must appear before the notary, in person or through an authorized remote online session, present valid unexpired photo identification (or be identified by two credible witnesses where the law allows), and appear to understand the nature and effect of the document and be willing to sign it. A notary may not notarize for a signer who appears mentally incapable of understanding the document (Florida Statutes 117.107).

That means we cannot proceed if a patient is sedated, unresponsive or confused about what they are signing. We will say so plainly. Any fees that apply in that case are set out in our Payment, Cancellation & Service Policies. Families often ask us to come back when the patient is alert, or they work with the attorney on alternatives.

How to prepare

  • Tell us the facility, room number and the patient's condition when you book, so we can allow the right amount of time
  • Have the patient's valid photo ID at the bedside, not at home
  • Bring the complete, unsigned document; many care communities cannot print for you
  • Arrange witnesses in advance, or ask us when you book whether we can provide them; most facilities do not allow staff to witness
  • Check the facility's visiting hours and let the nurses' station know a notary is coming

Coquina Notary is not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.