FL H1187

Requires medical, financial, mental health records, and financial audits necessary for investigating guardians to be provided to the Office of Public and Professional Guardians upon request when complaints are filed to evaluate the public guardianship system or assess needs.

Authorizes the court clerk to conduct audits of initial and annual guardianship reports and requires the clerk to inform the court of audit results.

Prohibits guardians from using ward assets to pay fees or costs related to responding to audits or reviews if the court finds wrongdoing.

Allows the court clerk to disclose confidential information to the Department of Children and Families or law enforcement agencies by court order.

Permits guardians of property to share confidential ward information related to investigations with court clerks, Office of Public and Professional Guardians investigators, or ombudsman council members, who must maintain confidentiality.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.