Notarization Question

[Amethya]

Texas here. Had a parent try to drop off a reason of conscience form for immunizations, but my registrar denied it because one of the dates was written over. It said 2017 and someone wrote 2018. I tried to explain the mother but she was arguing with me, stating she doesn't have enough to pay for another one. I suggested her grandmother sent an email that stated the error, but let me ask to see if that's acceptable. I asked my new AP and she basically told me that we shouldn't accept it and the mother needs to get a new one. She said she can back me up too, but I need to find something law-wise that explains this. Can you guys help me find it? I tried to google, but I couldn't find anything on errors.

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

If she has a bank account (or credit union account), most financial institutions will notarize paperwork for free (provided it's not 100 pages or something -- a single sheet of paper is fine).

I used to be a notary public in the state of Michigan in my pre-nursing life, and I think the state capped the fee at $6.00. It's not an expensive thing, even if you do have to pay for it (like at city hall or a courthouse).

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

If she has a bank account (or credit union account), most financial institutions will notarize paperwork for free (provided it's not 100 pages or something -- a single sheet of paper is fine).

I used to be a notary public in the state of Michigan in my pre-nursing life, and I think the state capped the fee at $6.00. It's not an expensive thing, even if you do have to pay for it (like at city hall or a courthouse).

I was going to say this as well. In my state, I'm pretty sure the max a notary can charge is like $5. I just Googled it and in Texas it's $6.

[Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP]

Just a FYI: The UPS Store does notary services - at least in California where I live, they do. You just need to call around your local area to check your UPS Store and verify there is somebody there and during what hours.

Before UPS bought them, the stores were Mailboxes, Etc.. and I actually did have to get something notarized there. I recall it was a few dollars back then ($6), so who knows how much it is now.

At least this is an option for your parent if they need to get a quick notary done.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

Notarization for members is free at my credit union.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

In PA, our state senators and representatives office provide free notary services.

[Amethya]

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll relay to the mother if she needs any help with it. I honesty would not mind even paying for her if she needs the help.

[iggywench, BSN, RN]

When parents order those new CO forms, they can get up to 5 at one time, for no charge. I always encourage my parents to order 5, in case they lose one, or for next time. Most schools have notaries on staff; I know the secretary at my school is a notary, and she does not charge for that service.

[jess11RN]

Could you circumvent the whole notary issue and obtain a signed permission for release of info and request it from the doctor's office yourself?

Also, in IL, we have a statewide immunization registry...do you have anything like that in TX?

[jess11RN]

Just reread your question....ignore my response lol!!

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I'm honestly not sure. I never had to do this because I immunize my children, but for notarization for anything usually is a price.

If your patient has a bank account somewhere, the bank will usually notarize for free. Same with real estate firms - if she has ever dealt with a realtor.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll relay to the mother if she needs any help with it. I honesty would not mind even paying for her if she needs the help.

Don't do it. That would be overstepping proper worker-patient boundaries.

[Amethya]

Could you circumvent the whole notary issue and obtain a signed permission for release of info and request it from the doctor's office yourself?

Also, in IL, we have a statewide immunization registry...do you have anything like that in TX?

We do, it's called immtrac. The problem with it, it's optional. If the parent does the immunization somewhere, if they don't input them on the system, it won't show up unless parent goes themselves to a health department office and ask themselves. As well if the parent did not immunize their child, it won't show up.