SB 2168 - Guardianship Proceedings

• Eliminates filing fees for guardianship petitions filed by individual treatment plan team members or state employees acting in official capacity.

• Requires petitions to identify less intrusive alternatives to guardianship considered and provide attached healthcare provider statements regarding the proposed ward's physical, mental, and emotional limitations.

• Establishes confidentiality protections for physician and clinical psychologist reports, with medical and financial information protected by federal law kept confidential except to parties and counsel.

• Extends guardianship orders from indeterminate duration to five-year terms with mandatory court review 90 days before expiration; court may reappoint for another five-year term or allow order to expire.

• Modifies emergency guardian appointments to require guardian ad litem advocacy and sets hearing on appropriateness within ten days (previously five days) of appointment without notice.