NC S573

Prohibits corporations providing mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse services to local management entities (LMEs) from being appointed as guardians for individuals receiving those services.

Restricts individuals employed by or contracting with entities that provide these services through LMEs from serving as guardians for wards receiving those services, with limited exceptions.

Permits exceptions to the guardian restrictions for parents, adoptive parents, family members, licensed family foster care providers, and licensed therapeutic foster care providers.

Removes prior language that grandfathered in immediate family members under contract with LMEs as of January 1, 2013, and narrows the definition of permissible guardians from the original "immediate family" category.

Becomes effective upon enactment.