MD HB1553

Guardianship orders must include an access schedule allowing relatives by blood or marriage to visit the disabled person, based on a rebuttable presumption that such access is in the person's best interests.

Interested persons may file emergency or temporary guardianship petitions when a disabled adult's current guardian is medically or physically neglecting the adult.

Emergency guardianship petitions must be heard and ruled on within 1 business day of filing; temporary guardianship petitions must be heard within 7 calendar days.

The evidentiary standard for emergency protective services is lowered from "clear and convincing evidence" to "preponderance of the evidence."

Creates a new Section 13-709.1 establishing procedures for temporary guardianship, with protective services authorized only until a permanent guardian is appointed under Section 13-705.