GA HB36

Expands the list of healthcare providers authorized to participate in adult guardianship and conservatorship proceedings to include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric/mental health, and professional counselors, in addition to physicians, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers

Establishes that adults shall not be presumed to need a guardian or conservator solely because they have one or more developmental disabilities as defined in Georgia law

Requires courts to apply a heightened standard for individuals with developmental disabilities, mandating clear and convincing evidence that the disability causes insufficient capacity to make significant responsible decisions about health, safety, or property management

Grants proposed wards and their legal counsel explicit rights to challenge evaluation reports, including the sufficiency of results, conclusions, and the qualifications of the person performing the evaluation

Limits emergency guardians and conservators appointed before hearings to only those powers and duties absolutely necessary to respond to immediate threatened risks, with emergency conservators prohibited from expending ward funds without prior court approval