FL S0994

Expands court considerations when appointing guardians to include potential disqualifications and conflicts of interest, and requires petitions to explain why alternatives to guardianship (such as advance directives, powers of attorney, or trusts) are insufficient

Prohibits professional guardians from petitioning for their own appointment unless they are a relative of the alleged incapacitated person, with an exception for public guardians serving persons of limited financial means

Requires initial and annual guardianship plans to include information about any preexisting orders not to resuscitate or advance directives, including dates signed and whether suspended by the court

Authorizes plenary or limited guardians to sign orders not to resuscitate, with expedited court procedures requiring a preliminary hearing within 72 hours and an evidentiary hearing within 4 days when exigent circumstances exist

Prohibits guardians from paying or receiving commissions, kickbacks, or split-fee arrangements for referring or engaging in transactions on behalf of a ward, and expands conflict of interest rules to include dealings with judges, examining committee members, and court employees