MI HB4171

Expands the definition of "mental health professional" to include licensed professional counselors under part 181 of the public health code.

Requires courts to provide written information about alternatives to full guardianship (limited guardian, conservator, patient advocate designation, do-not-resuscitate order, physician orders for scope of treatment form, or durable power of attorney) before a guardianship petition is filed.

Requires guardian ad litems to personally visit incapacitated individuals, explain guardianship effects and hearing rights, and consider alternatives to full guardianship before reporting to the court.

Grants guardians the power to execute, reaffirm, and revoke physician orders for scope of treatment forms on behalf of wards, subject to consultation with the ward (if meaningful communication is possible) and the ward's attending physician within 14 days of execution.

Requires guardians to annually review and potentially reaffirm do-not-resuscitate orders and physician orders for scope of treatment forms, and report these actions in annual court filings; effective February 6, 2018.