MA S1102

Chief justice of probate and family court must establish medical panels to assist in contested guardianship, conservatorship, and custody cases involving minors or incapacitated persons

Physician pool recruited in consultation with Massachusetts Medical Society; at least 3 physicians appointed per panel, who cannot have previously treated or examined the subject

Medical panels must issue written reports within 30 days addressing whether the person has a clinically diagnosed condition affecting decision-making capacity, whether the condition is permanent, and whether less restrictive alternatives exist

Panels must certify findings were reached independently and free of undue influence, with reports indicating unanimous or majority/minority positions

Emergency medical examinations may be ordered through temporary court orders, with specific findings of fact required for any custody or guardianship orders issued