Many residents of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities choose to complete an Advance Health Care Directive as part of their estate planning or healthcare planning. These documents allow individuals to appoint a trusted healthcare agent and communicate their medical wishes should they become unable to make decisions for themselves.

415 Notary provides mobile notary services throughout Marin and Sonoma Counties, traveling directly to skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, and long-term care facilities for the convenience of residents and their families.

Our goal is to make the notarization process respectful, professional, and as comfortable as possible while working with facility staff and family members to coordinate appointments.

Understanding the Role of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman

California's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves as an independent advocate for residents living in skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities. Ombudsmen help protect residents' rights, investigate complaints, and work to ensure residents are treated with dignity and respect.

In certain situations—particularly when questions arise about a resident's rights, potential coercion, or access to legal services—facility staff or family members may involve the Ombudsman before or during the document-signing process.

While an Ombudsman does not prepare legal documents or perform notarizations, they can help ensure that residents have the opportunity to make their own decisions free from undue influence.

Our Commitment to Resident Protection

When notarizing documents in healthcare facilities, California law requires that every signer:

• Is personally present.

• Can communicate directly with the notary.

• Appears willing to sign.

• Appears to understand the document being signed.

• Presents satisfactory identification, when required.

If there are concerns that a signer is under pressure, does not understand the document, or lacks the ability to communicate, the notarization cannot proceed.

Our responsibility as a California Notary Public is to remain impartial while helping ensure every notarization complies with California law and protects the integrity of the signing process.

Helpful Information for Families

If your loved one resides in a skilled nursing facility, it may be helpful to:

• Coordinate your appointment with facility staff.

• Confirm whether witnesses are required for your documents.

• Ensure your loved one has valid identification available.

• Allow extra time for the appointment.

• Ask the facility whether there are any visitor or scheduling requirements.

If facility staff recommend involving the Long-Term Care Ombudsman due to concerns about resident rights or decision-making, that process should be completed before the notarization appointment whenever possible.

​

Do I need an Ombudsman to notarize an Advance Health Care Directive?

Generally, no. Most Advance Health Care Directives do not require the presence of an Ombudsman simply because the signer lives in a skilled nursing facility. However, under California law, special witness requirements may apply to Advance Health Care Directives executed by residents of skilled nursing facilities, and a Long-Term Care Ombudsman may be required to witness the document in those situations. This requirement relates to the execution of the directive itself—not to the notarization. Your attorney or healthcare provider can advise you on the correct execution requirements for your specific document.