AR HB1811

Public Guardian for Adults may employ Deputy Public Guardians for Adults who meet the same qualifications and possess the same powers and duties as the Public Guardian, except for administrative and organizational responsibilities.

Court cannot appoint the Public Guardian for Adults as guardian unless the Public Guardian for Adults petitions for the guardianship and consents to the appointment.

Public Guardian for Adults may petition for appointment as guardian only if probable cause exists that the adult lacks capacity, the adult is incapacitated, no suitable private guardian is available, and the circuit court determines the Public Guardian would be suitable.

Public Guardian for Adults may accept volunteer services from individuals possessing all required guardian qualifications and may reimburse volunteers for expenses in the same manner as public employees.

Volunteers cannot be employees of facilities or programs providing services to the ward, and cannot be related to owners or staff members of such facilities or programs.