A designation of healthcare surrogate names a trusted person to make or assist with healthcare decisions under the authority described in the document. SafeNotarize can notarize eligible signatures on a completed designation when the document, witness rules, applicable law, and receiving healthcare organization permit remote notarization.
A designation of healthcare surrogate is a written document appointing another person to make healthcare decisions, receive health information, or perform other healthcare-related functions described in the form. Other states may use terms such as healthcare proxy, healthcare agent, medical decision-maker, or durable power of attorney for health care.
The document is not the same as a living will. A living will generally records treatment preferences, while a surrogate designation identifies the person who may act. A broader advance healthcare directive may combine both. The signer should use the exact document requested for the signer’s jurisdiction or healthcare system.
SafeNotarize does not advise whom to appoint, determine whether a proposed surrogate is eligible, or interpret when authority begins. We notarize eligible signatures on completed documents.
The principal normally signs the designation. The proposed surrogate does not sign for the principal and may have a separate acceptance or acknowledgment only if the form includes one. If an alternate is named, confirm spelling and contact information for both people.
Witness requirements are document- and state-specific. Some laws require two adult witnesses and prohibit the named surrogate from witnessing. A form may also restrict relatives, spouses, healthcare providers, or facility staff. Never assume that a family member, employee, or named surrogate is eligible.
If witnesses must participate remotely, confirm that the applicable law, document, and receiving organization accept that method. Arrange eligible witnesses before booking.
The principal should prepare acceptable government-issued photo identification. The name on the ID and designation should be reasonably consistent. Review the acceptable ID guide before the session, especially for passport use, international locations, or name variations.
Check the principal’s name, surrogate and alternate names, contact details, activation choices, healthcare-information provisions, witness lines, dates, and notarial certificate. After execution, ask the healthcare provider how to add the designation to the medical record and provide a copy to the surrogate.
Review the completed document and recipient instructions before the online session.
Many forms prohibit this. Check the form before choosing witnesses.
Use the full names requested by the form and provide reliable contact information for the surrogate and alternate.
Activation can depend on the document and law. Do not ask the notary to interpret when the surrogate may act.
A document stored where providers cannot find it may not help during an emergency. Ask how to place it in the medical record.
SafeNotarize can notarize an eligible signature on a completed healthcare surrogate designation through a secure live session. The signer uploads the document, completes identity verification, and meets the notary online. Required witnesses must be arranged and eligible.
SafeNotarize notarizes signatures. We do not prepare the designation, select a surrogate, decide whether the principal has capacity, interpret medical authority, or provide legal or medical advice. Requirements vary by state, and acceptance by a hospital or other recipient is not guaranteed.
Use the Document Library for preparation resources and the Power of Attorney hub for related authority documents. A Living Will may address treatment preferences rather than appointing a decision-maker.
Important: SafeNotarize notarizes signatures. We do not prepare estate-planning documents or provide legal advice. Requirements vary by state and receiving organization, online notarization availability varies, and acceptance by courts, hospitals, financial institutions, agencies, or other recipients is not guaranteed.
Current SafeNotarize pricing for a completed document presented for an eligible online notarization.
Basic Session: $25, including 1 signer and 2 notarization stamps.
International Session: $35, including 1 signer and 2 stamps.
Add-ons: Additional signers are $10 each, extra stamps are $5 each, and a SafeNotarize-provided witness is $15 each. A customer-provided witness does not add the SafeNotarize witness fee. The final estimate depends on the active session selections.
Start Online NotarizationReview the named surrogate, witness rules, identification, and healthcare-provider acceptance before starting.
