1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to probate; modifying provisions governing guardians and conservators; 
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 524.5-102, subdivision 7, by 
1.4 	adding a subdivision; 524.5-301; 524.5-304; 524.5-309; 524.5-310; 524.5-315; 
1.5 	524.5-316; 524.5-317; 524.5-406; 524.5-409; 524.5-413; 524.5-414; 524.5-420; 
1.6 	proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 524.
1.7 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.8 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-102, subdivision 7, is amended to 
1.9 	read:
1.10 		Subd. 7.Interested person. "Interested person" includes:
1.11 	(i) the ward, protected person, or respondent;
1.12 	(ii) a nominated guardian or conservator, or the duly appointed guardian or 
1.13 	conservator;
1.14 	(iii) legal representative;
1.15 	(iv) the spouse, parent, adult children and siblings, or if none of such persons is 
1.16 	living or can be located, the next of kin of the ward, protected person, or respondent;
1.17 	(v) an adult person who has lived with a ward, protected person, or respondent for a 
1.18 	period of more than six months;
1.19 	(vi) an attorney for the ward or protected person;
1.20 	(vii) a governmental agency paying or to which an application has been made for 
1.21 	benefits for the respondent, ward, or protected person, including the county social services 
1.22 	agency for the person's county of residence and the county where the proceeding is venued;
1.23 	(viii) a representative of a state ombudsman's office or a federal protection and 
1.24 	advocacy program that has notified the court that it has a matter regarding the ward, 
1.25 	protected person, or respondent; 
2.1 	(viii)(ix) a health care agent or proxy appointed pursuant to a health care directive 
2.2 	as defined in section 145C.01, a living will under chapter 145B, or other similar document 
2.3 	executed in another state and enforceable under the laws of this state; and  
2.4 	(ix)(x) any other person designated by the court.

2.5 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-102, is amended by adding a 
2.6 	subdivision to read:
2.7 		Subd. 13a.Professional guardian or professional conservator. "Professional 
2.8 	guardian" or "professional conservator" means a person acting as guardian or conservator 
2.9 	for three or more individuals not related by blood, adoption, or marriage.

2.10 	Sec. 3. [524.5-119] CENTRAL REGISTRATION OF GUARDIANS AND 
2.11 	CONSERVATORS.
2.12 	By July 1, 2013, the Supreme Court shall establish a statewide registration system 
2.13 	under which guardians and conservators appointed under sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502 
2.14 	must register with the state court administrator. Registration information must include 
2.15 	the name of the guardian or conservator, whether the person is a professional guardian 
2.16 	or conservator, date and county of appointment, and other information required by the 
2.17 	Supreme Court. Registration data that the Supreme Court determines are accessible to the 
2.18 	public must be accessible online or through other means implemented by the Supreme 
2.19 	Court. The state court administrator shall establish registration fees to support the costs of 
2.20 	developing and administering the registration system. The state court administrator shall 
2.21 	require a professional guardian or conservator to pay a registration fee and may require 
2.22 	other guardians and conservators to pay a fee.

2.23 	Sec. 4. [524.5-120] BILL OF RIGHTS FOR WARDS AND PROTECTED 
2.24 	PERSONS.
2.25 	The ward or protected person retains all rights not restricted by court order and these 
2.26 	rights must be enforced by the court. These rights include the right to: 
2.27 	(1) treatment with dignity and respect;
2.28 	(2) due consideration of current and previously stated personal desires, medical 
2.29 	treatment preferences, religious beliefs, and other preferences and opinions in decisions 
2.30 	made by the guardian or conservator;
2.31 	(3) receive timely and appropriate health care and medical treatment that does not 
2.32 	violate known conscientious, religious, or moral beliefs of the ward or protected person;
3.1 	(4) exercise control of all aspects of life not delegated specifically by court order 
3.2 	to the guardian or conservator;
3.3 	(5) guardianship or conservatorship services individually suited to the ward or 
3.4 	protected person's conditions and needs;
3.5 	(6) petition the court to prevent or initiate a change in abode;
3.6 	(7) care, comfort, social and recreational needs, training, education, habilitation, and 
3.7 	rehabilitation care and services, within available resources;
3.8 	(8) be consulted concerning, and to decide to the extent possible, the reasonable 
3.9 	care and disposition of the ward or protected person's clothing, furniture, vehicles, and 
3.10 	other personal effects, to object to the disposition of personal property and effects, and to 
3.11 	petition the court for a review of the guardian's or conservator's proposed disposition;
3.12 	(9) personal privacy;
3.13 	(10) communication and visitation with persons of the ward or protected person's 
3.14 	choice, provided that if the court has found that certain communication or visitation may 
3.15 	result in harm to the ward's health, safety, or well-being, that communication or visitation 
3.16 	may be restricted but only to the extent necessary to prevent the harm; 
3.17 	(11) marry and procreate, unless court approval is required, and to consent or object 
3.18 	to sterilization as provided in section 524.5-313, paragraph (c), clause (4), item (iv); 
3.19 	(12) petition the court for termination or modification of the guardianship or 
3.20 	conservatorship or for other appropriate relief; 
3.21 	(13) be represented by an attorney in any proceeding or for the purpose of petitioning 
3.22 	the court; and
3.23 	(14) vote, unless restricted by the court. 

3.24 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-301, is amended to read:
3.25 	524.5-301 APPOINTMENT AND STATUS OF GUARDIAN.
3.26 		Subdivision 1.General.  A person becomes a guardian of an incapacitated person by 
3.27 	a parental or spousal appointment or upon appointment by the court. The guardianship 
3.28 	continues until terminated, without regard to the location of the guardian or ward.
3.29 		Subd. 2.Professional guardian certification. (a) In order to qualify for 
3.30 	appointment by the court, a professional guardian must be certified in the manner required 
3.31 	by the Supreme Court. The fee for certification and continuing education required to 
3.32 	maintain certification must be paid by the professional guardian. 
3.33 	(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a professional guardian that is a nonprofit 
3.34 	organization that provides guardianship services or to an employee or other person 
4.1 	acting under the supervision of the organization, if the organization provides continuing 
4.2 	education for persons who provide the services.

4.3 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2010.

4.4 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-304, is amended to read:
4.5 	524.5-304 JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN: PRELIMINARIES 
4.6 	TO HEARING.
4.7 	(a) Upon receipt of a petition to establish a guardianship, the court shall set a date 
4.8 	and time for hearing the petition and may appoint a visitor. The duties and reporting 
4.9 	requirements of the visitor are limited to the relief requested in the petition.
4.10 	(b) A proposed ward has the right to be represented by counsel at any proceeding 
4.11 	under this article. The court shall appoint counsel to represent the proposed ward for 
4.12 	the initial proceeding held pursuant to section 524.5-307 if neither the proposed ward 
4.13 	nor others provide counsel unless in a meeting with a visitor the proposed ward makes 
4.14 	an informed decision in writing to specifically waives waive the right to counsel. Before 
4.15 	appointment, and at anytime during the course of the representation when a risk of a 
4.16 	conflict of interest may arise, the proposed or appointed counsel shall disclose to the 
4.17 	court, the proposed ward or ward, and interested persons whether there are concurrent 
4.18 	proceedings in which the counsel is the attorney for the proposed guardian or guardian and 
4.19 	whether there is a risk of a conflict of interest under Rule 1.7 of the Rules of Professional 
4.20 	Conduct so that the representation of the proposed ward or ward will be materially limited 
4.21 	by counsel's concurrent responsibilities to the proposed guardian or guardian. If there is a 
4.22 	risk of a conflict of interest, the counsel must not be appointed or new counsel must be 
4.23 	appointed, unless:
4.24 	(1) the court determines that the proposed ward or ward is able to give informed 
4.25 	consent to the representation and, if the proposed ward or ward consents, the consent is 
4.26 	confirmed in writing pursuant to Rule 1.7; or 
4.27 	(2) the court determines that there is not a risk of a conflict of interest under Rule 1.7 
4.28 	requiring the appointment of different counsel. 
4.29 	 Counsel must be appointed immediately after any petition under this article is served 
4.30 	under section 524.5-308. Counsel has the full right of subpoena. In all proceedings under 
4.31 	this article, counsel shall:  
4.32 	(1) consult with the proposed ward before any hearing;
4.33 	(2) be given adequate time to prepare for all hearings; and
5.1 	(3) continue to represent the person throughout any proceedings under section 
5.2 	524.5-307, provided that such appointment shall expire upon the expiration of the appeal 
5.3 	time for the order appointing guardian or the order dismissing a petition, or upon such 
5.4 	other time or event as the court may direct.  
5.5 	The court need not appoint counsel to represent the proposed ward on a voluntary 
5.6 	petition, and the court may remove a court-appointed attorney at any time if the court 
5.7 	finds that the proposed ward has made a knowing and intelligent waiver of the right to 
5.8 	counsel or has obtained private counsel.
5.9 	(c) The visitor shall personally serve the notice and petition upon the respondent 
5.10 	and shall offer to read the notice and petition to the respondent, and if so requested the 
5.11 	visitor shall read the notice and petition to such person. The visitor shall also interview the 
5.12 	respondent in person, and to the extent that the respondent is able to understand:
5.13 	(1) explain to the respondent the substance of the petition; the nature, purpose, and 
5.14 	effect of the proceeding; the respondent's rights at the hearing; and the general powers 
5.15 	and duties of a guardian;
5.16 	(2) determine the respondent's views about the proposed guardian, the proposed 
5.17 	guardian's powers and duties, and the scope and duration of the proposed guardianship;
5.18 	(3) inform the respondent of the right to employ and consult with a lawyer at the 
5.19 	respondent's own expense and the right to request a court-appointed lawyer; and
5.20 	(4) inform the respondent that all costs and expenses of the proceeding, including 
5.21 	respondent's attorneys fees, will be paid from the respondent's estate.
5.22 	(d) In addition to the duties in paragraph (c), the visitor shall make any other 
5.23 	investigation the court directs.
5.24 	(e) The visitor shall promptly file a report in writing with the court, which must 
5.25 	include:
5.26 	(1) recommendations regarding the appropriateness of guardianship, including 
5.27 	whether less restrictive means of intervention are available, the type of guardianship, and, 
5.28 	if a limited guardianship, the powers to be granted to the limited guardian;
5.29 	(2) a statement as to whether the respondent approves or disapproves of the proposed 
5.30 	guardian, and the powers and duties proposed or the scope of the guardianship; and
5.31 	(3) any other matters the court directs.
5.32 	(f) The county social service agency may create a screening committee to review a 
5.33 	petition involving an indigent person. The screening committee must consist of individuals 
5.34 	selected by the agency with knowledge of alternatives that are less restrictive than 
5.35 	guardianship. If the agency has created a screening committee, the court shall make its 
6.1 	decision after the screening committee has reviewed the petition. For an indigent person, 
6.2 	the court may appoint a guardian under contract with the county to provide these services.
6.3 	(g) Before the initial appointment, and annually within 30 days after the anniversary 
6.4 	date of the appointment, the proposed guardian or guardian shall file an informational 
6.5 	statement with the court. The statement must be a sworn affidavit containing the following 
6.6 	information:
6.7 	(1) the person's educational background and relevant work and other experience;
6.8 	(2) the person's addresses and telephone numbers, including places of business or 
6.9 	residence where the guardian can be contacted;
6.10 	(3) whether the person has ever been removed for cause from serving as a guardian 
6.11 	or conservator and if so, the case number and court location;
6.12 	(4) any changes occurring that would affect the accuracy of information contained in 
6.13 	the most recent criminal background study conducted pursuant to section 524.5-118; and
6.14 	(5) if applicable, the amount of reimbursement for services rendered to the ward that 
6.15 	the person has received during the previous year.

6.16 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-309, is amended to read:
6.17 	524.5-309 WHO MAY BE GUARDIAN: PRIORITIES.
6.18 	(a) Subject to paragraph (c), the court, in appointing a guardian, shall consider 
6.19 	persons otherwise qualified in the following order of priority:
6.20 	(1) a guardian, other than a temporary or emergency guardian, currently acting for 
6.21 	the respondent in this state or elsewhere;
6.22 	(2) an agent appointed by the respondent under a health care directive pursuant to 
6.23 	chapter 145C;
6.24 	(3) the spouse of the respondent or a person nominated by will or other signed 
6.25 	writing executed in the same manner as a health care directive pursuant to chapter 145C of 
6.26 	a deceased spouse;
6.27 	(4) an adult child of the respondent;
6.28 	(5) a parent of the respondent, or an individual nominated by will or other signed 
6.29 	writing executed in the same manner as a health care directive pursuant to chapter 145C 
6.30 	of a deceased parent; and
6.31 	(6) an adult with whom the respondent has resided for more than six months before 
6.32 	the filing of the petition; 
6.33 	(7) an adult who is related to the respondent by blood, adoption, or marriage; and
6.34 	(8) any other adult or a professional guardian.
7.1 	(b) The court, acting in the best interest of the respondent, may decline to appoint a 
7.2 	person having priority and appoint a person having a lower priority or no priority. With 
7.3 	respect to persons having equal priority, the court shall select the one it considers best 
7.4 	qualified.
7.5 	(c) Any individual or agency which provides residence, custodial care, medical care, 
7.6 	employment training or other care or services for which they receive a fee may not be 
7.7 	appointed as guardian unless related to the respondent by blood, marriage, or adoption.

7.8 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-310, is amended to read:
7.9 	524.5-310 FINDINGS; ORDER OF APPOINTMENT.
7.10 	(a) The court may appoint a limited or unlimited guardian for a respondent only if it 
7.11 	finds by clear and convincing evidence that:
7.12 	(1) the respondent is an incapacitated person; and
7.13 	(2) the respondent's identified needs cannot be met by less restrictive means, 
7.14 	including use of appropriate technological assistance.
7.15 	(b) Alternatively, the court, with appropriate findings, may treat the petition as 
7.16 	one for a protective order under section 524.5-401, enter any other appropriate order, or 
7.17 	dismiss the proceeding.
7.18 	(c) The court shall grant to a guardian only those powers necessitated by the ward's 
7.19 	limitations and demonstrated needs and, whenever feasible, make appointive and other 
7.20 	orders that will encourage the development of the ward's maximum self-reliance and 
7.21 	independence. Any power not specifically granted to the guardian, following a written 
7.22 	finding by the court of a demonstrated need for that power, is retained by the ward.
7.23 	(d) Within 14 days after an appointment, a guardian shall send or deliver to the ward, 
7.24 	and counsel if represented at the hearing, a copy of the order of appointment accompanied 
7.25 	by a notice which advises the ward of the right to appeal the guardianship appointment in 
7.26 	the time and manner provided by the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
7.27 	(e) Each year, within 30 days after the anniversary date of an appointment, a 
7.28 	guardian shall send or deliver to the ward and to interested persons of record with the 
7.29 	court a notice of the right to request termination or modification of the guardianship or to 
7.30 	request an order that is in the best interests of the ward or for other appropriate relief,  and 
7.31 	notice of the status of the ward's right to vote.

7.32 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-315, is amended to read:
7.33 	524.5-315 RIGHTS AND IMMUNITIES OF GUARDIAN; LIMITATIONS.
8.1 	(a) A guardian is entitled to reasonable compensation for services as guardian and 
8.2 	to reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of the ward, in a manner consistent 
8.3 	with section 524.5-502.  
8.4 	(b) A guardian is not liable to a third person for acts of the ward solely by reason 
8.5 	of the relationship. A guardian who exercises reasonable care in choosing a third person 
8.6 	providing medical or other care, treatment, or service for the ward is not liable for injury 
8.7 	to the ward resulting from the wrongful conduct of the third person.
8.8 	(c) A guardian, without authorization of the court, may not revoke the appointment 
8.9 	of an agent of a health care directive of which the ward is the principal, but the guardian
8.10 	and may not, absent a court order, revoke the health care directive itself. If a health care 
8.11 	directive is in effect, absent an order of the court to the contrary, a health care decision of 
8.12 	the guardian takesdoes not take precedence over that of an agent.
8.13 	(d) A guardian may not initiate the commitment of a ward to an institution except in 
8.14 	accordance with section 524.5-313.

8.15 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-316, is amended to read:
8.16 	524.5-316 REPORTS; MONITORING OF GUARDIANSHIP; COURT 
8.17 	ORDERS.
8.18 	(a) A guardian shall report to the court in writing on the condition of the ward at least 
8.19 	annually and whenever ordered by the court. A copy of the report must be provided to the 
8.20 	ward and to interested persons of record with the court. A report must state or contain:
8.21 	(1) the current mental, physical, and social condition of the ward;
8.22 	(2) the living arrangements for all addresses of the ward during the reporting period;
8.23 	(3) the medical, educational, vocational, and other services provided to the ward and 
8.24 	the guardian's opinion as to the adequacy of the ward's care; and
8.25 	(4) a recommendation as to the need for continued guardianship and any 
8.26 	recommended changes in the scope of the guardianship.
8.27 	(b) A ward or interested person of record with the court may submit to the court a 
8.28 	written statement disputing statements or conclusions regarding the condition of the ward 
8.29 	that are contained in the report and may petition the court for an order that is in the best 
8.30 	interests of the ward or for other appropriate relief. 
8.31 	(c) The court may appoint a visitor to review a report, interview the ward or 
8.32 	guardian, and make any other investigation the court directs.
8.33 	(c) (d) The court shall establish a system for monitoring guardianships, including the 
8.34 	filing and review of annual reports. If an annual report is not filed within 60 days of the 
8.35 	required date, the court shall issue an order to show cause. 

9.1 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-317, is amended to read:
9.2 	524.5-317 TERMINATION OR MODIFICATION OF GUARDIANSHIP; 
9.3 	COURT ORDERS.
9.4 	(a) A guardianship terminates upon the death of the ward or upon order of the court.
9.5 	(b) On petition of any person interested in the ward's welfare the court may terminate 
9.6 	a guardianship if the ward no longer needs the assistance or protection of a guardian. The 
9.7 	court may modify the type of appointment or powers granted to the guardian if the extent 
9.8 	of protection or assistance previously granted is currently excessive or insufficient or the 
9.9 	ward's capacity to provide for support, care, education, health, and welfare has so changed 
9.10 	as to warrant that action. The court may make any other order that is in the best interests 
9.11 	of the ward or may grant other appropriate relief. 
9.12 	(c) Except as otherwise ordered by the court for good cause, the court, before 
9.13 	terminating a guardianship, shall follow the same procedures to safeguard the rights of 
9.14 	the ward as apply to a petition for guardianship. Upon presentation by the petitioner 
9.15 	of evidence establishing a prima facie case for termination, the court shall order the 
9.16 	termination and discharge the guardian unless it is proven that continuation of the 
9.17 	guardianship is in the best interest of the ward.

9.18 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-406, is amended to read:
9.19 	524.5-406 ORIGINAL PETITION: PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY; 
9.20 	PRELIMINARIES TO HEARING.
9.21 	(a) Upon the filing of a petition for a conservatorship or other protective order for a 
9.22 	respondent for reasons other than being a minor, the court shall set a date for hearing and 
9.23 	the court may appoint a visitor. The duties and reporting requirements of the visitor are 
9.24 	limited to the relief requested in the petition.
9.25 	(b) A respondent has the right to be represented by counsel at any proceeding 
9.26 	under this article. The court shall appoint counsel to represent the respondent for the 
9.27 	initial proceeding held pursuant to section 524.5-408 if neither the respondent nor others 
9.28 	provide counsel, unless in a meeting with a visitor, the proposed respondent makes an 
9.29 	informed decision in writing to  specifically waives waive the right to counsel. Before 
9.30 	appointment, and at anytime during the course of the representation when a risk of a 
9.31 	conflict of interest may arise, the proposed or appointed counsel shall disclose to the 
9.32 	court, the proposed protected person or protected person, and interested persons whether 
9.33 	there are concurrent proceedings in which the counsel is the attorney for the proposed 
9.34 	conservator or conservator and whether there is a risk of a conflict of interest under 
9.35 	Rule 1.7 of the Rules of Professional Conduct so that the representation of the proposed 
10.1 	protected person or protected person will be materially limited by counsel's concurrent 
10.2 	responsibilities to the proposed conservator or conservator. If there is a risk of a conflict of 
10.3 	interest, the counsel must not be appointed, unless: 
10.4 	(1) the court determines that the proposed protected person or protected person is 
10.5 	able to give informed consent to the representation and, if the proposed protected person 
10.6 	or protected person consents, the consent is confirmed in writing pursuant to Rule 1.7; or 
10.7 	(2) the court determines that there is not a risk of a conflict of interest under Rule 1.7 
10.8 	requiring the appointment of different counsel. 
10.9 	Counsel must be appointed immediately after any petition under this part is served 
10.10 	pursuant to section 524.5-404. Counsel has the full right of subpoena. In all proceedings 
10.11 	under this part, counsel shall:  
10.12 	(1) consult with the respondent before any hearing;
10.13 	(2) be given adequate time to prepare for all hearings; and
10.14 	(3) continue to represent the respondent throughout any proceedings under section 
10.15 	524.5-408, provided that such appointment shall expire upon the expiration of the appeal 
10.16 	time for the order appointing conservator or the order dismissing a petition, or upon such 
10.17 	other time or event as the court may direct.  
10.18 	The court need not appoint counsel to represent the respondent on a voluntary 
10.19 	petition, and the court may remove a court-appointed attorney at any time if the court finds 
10.20 	that the respondent has made a knowing and intelligent waiver of the right to counsel 
10.21 	or has obtained private counsel.
10.22 	(c) The visitor shall personally serve the notice and petition upon the respondent 
10.23 	and shall offer to read the notice and petition to the respondent, and if so requested, the 
10.24 	visitor shall read the notice and petition to such person. The visitor shall also interview the 
10.25 	respondent in person, and to the extent that the respondent is able to understand:
10.26 	(1) explain to the respondent the substance of the petition and the nature, purpose, 
10.27 	and effect of the proceeding;
10.28 	(2) if the appointment of a conservator is requested, inform the respondent of the 
10.29 	general powers and duties of a conservator and determine the respondent's views regarding 
10.30 	the proposed conservator, the proposed conservator's powers and duties, and the scope and 
10.31 	duration of the proposed conservatorship;
10.32 	(3) inform the respondent of the respondent's rights, including the right to employ 
10.33 	and consult with a lawyer at the respondent's own expense, and the right to request a 
10.34 	court-appointed lawyer; and
10.35 	(4) inform the respondent that all costs and expenses of the proceeding, including 
10.36 	respondent's attorney fees, will be paid from the respondent's estate.
11.1 	(d) In addition to the duties set out in paragraph (c), the visitor shall make any other 
11.2 	investigations the court directs.
11.3 	(e) The visitor shall promptly file a report with the court which must include:
11.4 	(1) recommendations regarding the appropriateness of a conservatorship, including 
11.5 	whether less restrictive means of intervention are available, the type of conservatorship, 
11.6 	and, if a limited conservatorship, the powers and duties to be granted the limited 
11.7 	conservator, and the assets over which the conservator should be granted authority;
11.8 	(2) a statement as to whether the respondent approves or disapproves of the proposed 
11.9 	conservator, and the powers and duties proposed or the scope of the conservatorship; and
11.10 	(3) any other matters the court directs.
11.11 	(f) While a petition to establish a conservatorship or for another protective order 
11.12 	is pending, after preliminary hearing and without notice to others, the court may make 
11.13 	orders to preserve and apply the property of the respondent as may be required for the 
11.14 	support of the respondent or individuals who are in fact dependent upon the respondent, 
11.15 	and may appoint an agent to assist in that task.
11.16 	(g) Before the initial appointment, and annually within 30 days after the anniversary 
11.17 	date of the appointment, the proposed conservator or conservator shall file an informational 
11.18 	statement with the court. The statement must be a sworn affidavit containing the following 
11.19 	information:
11.20 	(1) the person's educational background and relevant work and other experience;
11.21 	(2) the person's addresses and telephone numbers, including places of business or 
11.22 	residence where the conservator can be contacted;
11.23 	(3) whether the person has ever been removed for cause from serving as a guardian 
11.24 	or conservator and if so, the case number and court location;
11.25 	(4) any changes occurring that would affect the accuracy of information contained in 
11.26 	the most recent criminal background study conducted pursuant to section 524.5-118; and
11.27 	(5) if applicable, the amount of reimbursement for services rendered to the protected 
11.28 	person that the person has received during the previous year.

11.29 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-409, is amended to read:
11.30 	524.5-409 FINDINGS; ORDER OF APPOINTMENT.
11.31 	(a) The court may appoint a limited or unlimited conservator for a respondent only 
11.32 	if it finds that:
11.33 	(1) by clear and convincing evidence, the individual is unable to manage property 
11.34 	and business affairs because of an impairment in the ability to receive and evaluate 
12.1 	information or make decisions, even with the use of appropriate technological assistance, 
12.2 	or because the individual is missing, detained, or unable to return to the United States;
12.3 	(2) by a preponderance of evidence, the individual has property that will be wasted 
12.4 	or dissipated unless management is provided or money is needed for the support, care, 
12.5 	education, health, and welfare of the individual or of individuals who are entitled to the 
12.6 	individual's support and that protection is necessary or desirable to obtain or provide 
12.7 	money; and
12.8 	(3) the respondent's identified needs cannot be met by less restrictive means, 
12.9 	including use of appropriate technological assistance.
12.10 	(b) Alternatively, the court, with appropriate findings, may enter any other 
12.11 	appropriate order, or dismiss the proceeding.
12.12 	(c) The court, whenever feasible, shall grant to a conservator only those powers 
12.13 	necessitated by the protected person's limitations and demonstrated needs and make 
12.14 	appointive and other orders that will encourage the development of the protected person's 
12.15 	maximum self-reliance and independence.
12.16 	(d) Within 14 days after an appointment, the conservator shall send or deliver to the 
12.17 	protected person, if the protected person has attained 14 years of age and is not missing, 
12.18 	detained, or unable to return to the United States, and counsel if represented at the hearing, 
12.19 	a copy of the order of appointment accompanied by a notice which advises the protected 
12.20 	person of the right to appeal the conservatorship appointment in the time and manner 
12.21 	provided by the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
12.22 	(e) Each year, within 30 days after the anniversary date of an appointment, a 
12.23 	conservator shall send or deliver to the protected person and to interested persons of 
12.24 	record with the court a notice of the right to request termination or modification of the 
12.25 	conservatorship or for any order that is in the best interests of the protected person or for 
12.26 	other appropriate relief.
12.27 	(f) The appointment of a conservator or the entry of another protective order is not a 
12.28 	determination of incapacity of the protected person.

12.29 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-413, is amended to read:
12.30 	524.5-413 WHO MAY BE CONSERVATOR; PRIORITIES.
12.31 	(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (d), the court, in appointing a 
12.32 	conservator, shall consider persons otherwise qualified in the following order of priority:
12.33 	(1) a conservator, guardian of the estate, or other like fiduciary appointed or 
12.34 	recognized by an appropriate court of any other jurisdiction in which the protected person 
12.35 	resides;
13.1 	(2) a person nominated as conservator by the respondent, including the respondent's 
13.2 	most recent nomination made in a durable power of attorney, if the respondent has attained 
13.3 	14 years of age and at the time of the nomination had sufficient capacity to express 
13.4 	a preference;
13.5 	(3) an agent appointed by the respondent to manage the respondent's property under 
13.6 	a durable power of attorney;
13.7 	(4) the spouse of the respondent;
13.8 	(5) an adult child of the respondent;
13.9 	(6) a parent of the respondent; and
13.10 	(7) an adult with whom the respondent has resided for more than six months before 
13.11 	the filing of the petition; 
13.12 	(8) an adult who is related to the respondent by blood, adoption, or marriage; and
13.13 	(9) any other adult or a professional conservator.
13.14 	(b) A person having priority under paragraph (a), clause (1), (4), (5), or (6), may 
13.15 	designate in writing a substitute to serve instead and thereby transfer the priority to the 
13.16 	substitute.
13.17 	(c) The court, acting in the best interest of the protected person, may decline to 
13.18 	appoint a person having priority and appoint a person having a lower priority or no 
13.19 	priority. With respect to persons having equal priority, the court shall select the one it 
13.20 	considers best qualified.
13.21 	(d) In any proceeding where the value of the personal property of the estate of 
13.22 	the proposed protected person is expected to be at least $10,000, the court shall require 
13.23 	the conservator to post a bond and shall require that a professional conservator must be 
13.24 	certified within six months of the appointment. Certification is not required under this 
13.25 	paragraph if the conservator is a nonprofit organization that provides conservatorship 
13.26 	services or to an employee or other person acting under the supervision of the organization, 
13.27 	if the organization provides continuing education for persons who provide the services.
13.28 	(e)  Any individual or agency which provides residence, custodial care, medical care, 
13.29 	employment training, or other care or services for which they receive a fee may not be 
13.30 	appointed as conservator unless related to the respondent by blood, marriage, or adoption.

13.31 	EFFECTIVE DATE. The certification requirement under this section is effective 
13.32 	July 1, 2010.

13.33 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-414, is amended to read:
13.34 	524.5-414 PETITION FOR ORDER SUBSEQUENT TO APPOINTMENT.
14.1 	(a) A protected person or an interested person may file a petition in the appointing 
14.2 	court for an order:
14.3 	(1) requiring bond or collateral or additional bond or collateral, or reducing bond;
14.4 	(2) requiring an accounting for the administration of the protected person's estate;
14.5 	(3) directing distribution;
14.6 	(4) removing the conservator and appointing a temporary or successor conservator;
14.7 	(5) modifying the type of appointment or powers granted to the conservator if 
14.8 	the extent of protection or management previously granted is currently excessive or 
14.9 	insufficient or the protected person's ability to manage the estate and business affairs 
14.10 	has so changed as to warrant the action; or
14.11 	(6) acting in the protected person's best interests or  granting other appropriate relief.
14.12 	(b) A conservator may petition the appointing court for instructions concerning 
14.13 	fiduciary responsibility.
14.14 	(c) On notice and hearing the petition, the court may give appropriate instructions 
14.15 	and make any appropriate order.
14.16 	(d) The court may, at its own discretion, waive the notice or hearing requirements 
14.17 	for the relief requested in a petition filed under this section.

14.18 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-420, is amended to read:
14.19 	524.5-420 REPORTS; APPOINTMENT OF VISITOR; MONITORING; 
14.20 	COURT ORDERS.
14.21 	(a) A conservator shall report to the court for administration of the estate annually 
14.22 	unless the court otherwise directs, upon resignation or removal, upon termination of 
14.23 	the conservatorship, and at other times as the court directs. An order, after notice and 
14.24 	hearing, allowing an intermediate report of a conservator adjudicates liabilities concerning 
14.25 	the matters adequately disclosed in the accounting. An order, after notice and hearing, 
14.26 	allowing a final report adjudicates all previously unsettled liabilities relating to the 
14.27 	conservatorship.
14.28 	(b) A report must state or contain a listing of the assets of the estate under the 
14.29 	conservator's control and a listing of the receipts, disbursements, and distributions during 
14.30 	the reporting period.
14.31 	(c) A protected person or an interested person of record with the court may submit to 
14.32 	the court a written statement disputing account statements regarding the administration of 
14.33 	the estate that are contained in the report and may petition the court for any order that is in 
14.34 	the best interests of the protected person and the estate or for other appropriate relief. 
15.1 	(d)  The court may appoint a visitor to review a report or plan, interview the protected 
15.2 	person or conservator, and make any other investigation the court directs. In connection 
15.3 	with a report, the court may order a conservator to submit the assets of the estate to an 
15.4 	appropriate examination to be made in a manner the court directs.
15.5 	(d) (e) The court shall establish a system for monitoring of conservatorships, 
15.6 	including the filing and review of conservators' reports and plans. If an annual report is 
15.7 	not filed within 60 days of the required date, the court shall issue an order to show cause.