MI HB4172

Requires professional guardians and conservators to obtain certification from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs beginning 2 years after the act's effective date, with initial application fee of $250 and renewal fee of $100.

Establishes certification requirements including minimum age of 21, high school diploma or GED, passage of the Center for Guardianship Certification National Certified Guardian Examination, completion of 12 continuing education hours in preceding 24 months, and professional liability insurance coverage.

Prohibits professional guardians and conservators from employing individuals with direct access to protected individuals who have been convicted of specified felonies and misdemeanors including crimes involving violence, abuse, sexual conduct, fraud, theft, embezzlement, and drug diversion; requires criminal background checks compliant with the bill's standards.

Creates priority order for court appointment of guardians and conservators, placing certified professional guardians and conservators ahead of non-certified individuals, though courts may still appoint non-certified professionals if certified individuals are unsuitable or unwilling.

Requires certification applicants to undergo criminal history background checks, disqualifies those convicted of listed crimes or found civilly liable for fraud, misappropriation, theft, exploitation, or abuse, and mandates reporting of subsequent convictions to the department and relevant probate courts within 30 days.