No. Nevada law requires the person signing a document to be physically present before the notary during notarization, OR use remote online notarization (RON) where the signer is connected via secure video and the notary verifies their identity digitally. You cannot notarize an emergency authorization if the pharmacist or authorized signer is completely absent. However, emergency scenarios have solutions through mobile notarization or RON.
Real Scenario: A Henderson pharmacy experienced an emergency drug supply situation requiring immediate notarized authorization to access an emergency wholesaler. The pharmacist-in-charge was on personal leave out of state. The pharmacy manager (not a pharmacist) attempted to sign and have notarized the emergency authorization document. This is problematic because (1) non-pharmacist cannot typically authorize pharmacy emergency procurement, and (2) the authorized signer (pharmacist) was not present for notarization.
Solution: The pharmacy needed to contact their pharmacist-in-charge remotely and conduct remote online notarization (RON) where the pharmacist verified their identity via video conference while the notary witnessed the signing electronically. This provided valid legal notarization while accommodating the emergency.
Nevada RON Requirements: Nevada permits remote online notarization for most business documents including emergency pharmacy authorizations, IF:
- The signer has valid government-issued ID
- The notary verifies identity through secure video conference
- The document can be electronically signed or re-printed after RON for physical signatures
- Both parties use compliant RON platforms
For True Emergencies: When the authorized signer is unavailable and cannot be reached remotely, the pharmacy must document the emergency circumstances and potentially use a durable power of attorney previously executed and notarized by an authorized pharmacy representative. This pre-signed document grants emergency authority without requiring new notarization during the crisis.
Lake Mead Mobile Notary coordinates both in-person emergency notarization (if the signer becomes available) and remote online notarization (if the signer must participate remotely). Same-day service ensures emergency authorizations are notarized while the supply situation is still critical.