Rule 66.09 – GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GUARDIAN TO THE WARD

Professionalism, character, and integrity.
A guardian shall act in a manner above reproach, including but not limited to avoiding financial exploitation, sexual
exploitation, and any other activity that is not in the best interest of the ward.
Exercising due diligence.
A guardian shall exercise due diligence in making decisions that are in the best interest of a ward, including but not limited to communicating with the ward and being fully informed about the implications of the decisions.
Least restrictive alternative.
Unless otherwise approved by this Court, a guardian shall make a choice or decision for a ward that best meets the needs of the ward while imposing the least limitations on the ward’s rights, freedom, or ability to control the ward’s environment. To determine the least restrictive alternative, a guardian may seek and consider an independent assessment of the ward’s functional ability, health status, and care needs.
Person-centered planning.
A guardian shall advocate for services focused on a ward’s wishes and needs to reach the ward’s full potential. A guardian shall strive to balance a ward’s maximum independence and self-reliance with the ward’s best interest.
Ward’s support system.
A guardian shall strive to foster and preserve positive relationships in the ward’s life unless such relationships are substantially harmful to the ward. A guardian shall be prepared to explain the reasons a particular relationship is severed and not in the ward’s best interest.
Communication with ward.
(1) A guardian shall strive to know a ward’s preference and belief system by seeking information from the ward and the ward’s family and friends.
(2) A guardian shall do all of the following:
(a) Meet with the ward as needed, but not less than once quarterly or as determined by this Court;
(b)Communicate privately with the ward;
(c) Assess the ward’s physical and mental conditions and limitations;
(d) Assess the appropriateness of the ward’s current living arrangements;
(e) Assess the need for additional services;
(f) Notify the court if the ward’s level of care is not being met; and
(g) Document all complaints made by a ward and assess the need to report the complaints to this Court.
Direct services.
Except as provided in Sup.R. 66.04(D), a guardian shall not provide any direct services to a ward, unless otherwise approved by this court.
Unless a guardian is related to the ward by consanguinity (a blood relationship) or affinity (kinship by marriage), the guardian shall not deliver the ward direct services,
as defined in Sup.R. 66.01(B), without approval of this Court.
Monitor and coordinate services and benefits.
A guardian shall monitor and coordinate all services and benefits provided to a ward, including doing all of the following as necessary to perform those duties:
(1) Having regular contact with all service providers;
(2) Assessing services to determine they are appropriate and continue to be in the ward’s best interest;
(3) Maintaining eligibility for all benefits; and
(4) Where the guardian of the person and guardian of the estate are different individuals, consulting regularly with each other.
Extraordinary medical issues.
(1) A guardian shall seek ethical, legal, and medical advice, as appropriate, to facilitate decisions involving extraordinary medical issues; and
(2) A guardian shall strive to honor the ward’s preferences and belief system concerning extraordinary medical issues.
End of life decisions. A guardian shall make every effort to be informed about the
ward’s preferences and belief system in making end of life decisions on behalf of the
ward.
Caseload. A guardian shall appropriately manage the guardian’s caseload to
ensure the guardian is adequately supporting and providing for the best interest of
the wards in the guardian’s care.
Duty of confidentiality. A guardian shall keep the ward’s personal and financial
information confidential, except when disclosure is in the best interest of the ward or
upon order of the probate division of a court of common pleas.

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Rule 66.09 – GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GUARDIAN TO THE WARD

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