--- title: "Healthcare Proxy and Medical POA: Signing Day Guide | MCC" description: "A healthcare proxy names someone to make medical decisions. Learn who may witness, what the notary checks, and how to sign calmly in a care setting." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/healthcare-proxy-and-medical-poa-signing" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Healthcare Proxy and Medical POA: Signing Day Guide A healthcare proxy, also called a medical power of attorney, names an agent to speak for you if you cannot decide about treatment. These forms are often signed under time pressure, so a little preparation helps. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** A healthcare proxy, also called a medical power of attorney, names an agent to speak for you if you cannot decide about treatment, and may name a backup. It does not give the agent control over money. Use the form the facility or your attorney supplies, since forms vary by state and hospital. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) · [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) **Free tools:** [Notary fees by state](/notary/fees-by-state) · [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## What the form does The proxy names the person you trust to make health choices and may name a backup. It can also hold your general wishes. It does not give the agent control over money. Forms vary by state and by hospital, so use the one the facility or your attorney supplies. Need this notarized? [Get it notarized online by a New Jersey notary over video](/notary/remote-online-notarization). The notary's role is limited to identity, willingness, and the notarial certificate. The notary cannot explain medical or legal choices. ## Who can be a witness Many forms ask for two witnesses instead of or in addition to a notary. States often limit who qualifies. The agent is commonly excluded, and sometimes relatives or health providers are too. Read the instructions on the form. Hospital staff members who are not otherwise restricted may be willing, but facility policy varies. If witnesses are hard to find, ask a notary service that offers witnesses. ## Signing in a hospital room The notary arrives with the unsigned form and checks the patient's ID. Hospital wristbands are not valid ID. If the patient has no card with them, a family member may bring one from home, or the facility may have a copy of a license on file, though the notary decides whether it meets requirements. The notary speaks with the patient briefly to confirm they understand what they are signing. If the patient is sedated or cannot respond, the notary will not proceed. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## Practical timing tips Choose a window when the patient is awake, free of sedation and without visitors talking over them. If the agent is present, expect the notary to ask for a moment alone with the patient. This is to confirm the patient is acting freely. Bring the form, ID, pen with dark ink, and the names of any witnesses. Keep a list of facility contacts so the finished form can be placed in the chart. ## After signing Give copies to the agent, the primary doctor and the hospital's records office. Keep the original at home where your family can find it, not in a safe deposit box they cannot open quickly. Review the form after major life changes. MCC Solutions offers hospital visits when the time to sign is short. ## What to discuss with your agent first The best proxy documents are backed by honest conversations. Tell your agent what matters to you: living at home as long as possible, avoiding certain treatments, or being comfortable above all else. Even a short talk helps them speak for you with confidence. Choose someone who can stay calm under pressure and who lives near enough to reach the hospital. Name a backup. Give each person a copy and tell your doctor who they are. If your family may disagree, write down your reasons or add a letter of wishes. This is not a notary matter, but it shapes how the form is used. When you are ready, schedule the signing for a time of day when you feel strongest. Some hospital social workers can give you an approved form and tell you where the finished copy should go in the chart. ## Common questions **Is a healthcare proxy the same as a living will?** No. A proxy names a person. A living will states wishes about treatment. Many people sign both. **Does the notary need to know my medical condition?** No. The notary only needs to see that you are alert, willing and able to confirm your identity. **Can the proxy be notarized remotely?** Possibly, depending on the form and the setting. Ask the facility and the receiving office. ## More notary guides - [Notarizing for Someone Who Cannot Sign Their Name](/notary/guides/notarizing-for-a-signer-who-cannot-sign) - [What a Witness Does at a Signing (and What They Do Not)](/notary/guides/what-a-witness-does-at-a-signing) - [Prenuptial Agreement Signing and Acknowledgment](/notary/guides/prenuptial-agreement-acknowledgment-signing) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. 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