MO SB1083

Courts must appoint guardians/conservators following a mandatory priority list rather than simply "considering" candidates, and must find higher-priority persons deficient before selecting someone lower on the list

Priority order for appointment: (1) person nominated by the incapacitated individual if able to communicate, (2) person named in durable power of attorney or written instrument signed within 5 years, (3) spouse, parents, adult children, siblings, and close relatives, (4) other eligible persons or organizations named in a probated will

Claims that a priority-listed person is deficient due to substandard living conditions require a mandatory investigation and report by the Department of Health and Senior Services

Courts may only disqualify a priority person for substandard living conditions if findings show the conditions are dangerous or unsanitary and materially affect the life, health, or safety of the incapacitated person