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Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 150--H.F.No. 804

An act

relating to probate; modifying provisions governing guardians and conservators; providing for fees for central registration and use of fee proceeds;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 260C.331, subdivision 1; 524.5-102, subdivision 7, by adding a subdivision; 524.5-304; 524.5-309; 524.5-310; 524.5-315; 524.5-316; 524.5-317; 524.5-406; 524.5-409; 524.5-413; 524.5-414; 524.5-420; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 524.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 260C.331, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Care, examination, or treatment.

(a) Except where parental rights are terminated,

(1) whenever legal custody of a child is transferred by the court to a responsible social services agency,

(2) whenever legal custody is transferred to a person other than the responsible social services agency, but under the supervision of the responsible social services agency, or

(3) whenever a child is given physical or mental examinations or treatment under order of the court, and no provision is otherwise made by law for payment for the care, examination, or treatment of the child, these costs are a charge upon the welfare funds of the county in which proceedings are held upon certification of the judge of juvenile court.

(b) The court shall order, and the responsible social services agency shall require, the parents or custodian of a child, while the child is under the age of 18, to use the total income and resources attributable to the child for the period of care, examination, or treatment, except for clothing and personal needs allowance as provided in section 256B.35, to reimburse the county for the cost of care, examination, or treatment. Income and resources attributable to the child include, but are not limited to, Social Security benefits, supplemental security income (SSI), veterans benefits, railroad retirement benefits and child support. When the child is over the age of 18, and continues to receive care, examination, or treatment, the court shall order, and the responsible social services agency shall require, reimbursement from the child for the cost of care, examination, or treatment from the income and resources attributable to the child less the clothing and personal needs allowance. Income does not include earnings from a child over the age of 18 who is working as part of a plan under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (8), to transition from foster care.

(c) If the income and resources attributable to the child are not enough to reimburse the county for the full cost of the care, examination, or treatment, the court shall inquire into the ability of the parents to support the child and, after giving the parents a reasonable opportunity to be heard, the court shall order, and the responsible social services agency shall require, the parents to contribute to the cost of care, examination, or treatment of the child. When determining the amount to be contributed by the parents, the court shall use a fee schedule based upon ability to pay that is established by the responsible social services agency and approved by the commissioner of human services. The income of a stepparent who has not adopted a child shall be excluded in calculating the parental contribution under this section.

(d) The court shall order the amount of reimbursement attributable to the parents or custodian, or attributable to the child, or attributable to both sources, withheld under chapter 518A from the income of the parents or the custodian of the child. A parent or custodian who fails to pay without good reason may be proceeded against for contempt, or the court may inform the county attorney, who shall proceed to collect the unpaid sums, or both procedures may be used.

(e) If the court orders a physical or mental examination for a child, the examination is a medically necessary service for purposes of determining whether the service is covered by a health insurance policy, health maintenance contract, or other health coverage plan. Court-ordered treatment shall be subject to policy, contract, or plan requirements for medical necessity. Nothing in this paragraph changes or eliminates benefit limits, conditions of coverage, co-payments or deductibles, provider restrictions, or other requirements in the policy, contract, or plan that relate to coverage of other medically necessary services.

new text begin (f) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), (c), or (d), a parent, custodian, or guardian of the child is not required to use income and resources attributable to the child to reimburse the county for costs of care and is not required to contribute to the cost of care of the child during any period of time when the child is returned to the home of that parent, custodian, or guardian pursuant to a trial home visit under section 260C.201, subdivision 1, paragraph (a). new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-102, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Interested person.

"Interested person" includes:

(i) the ward, protected person, or respondent;

(ii) a nominated guardian or conservator, or the duly appointed guardian or conservator;

(iii) legal representative;

(iv) the spouse, parent, adult children and siblings, or if none of such persons is living or can be located, the next of kin of the ward, protected person, or respondent;

(v) an adult person who has lived with a ward, protected person, or respondent for a period of more than six months;

(vi) an attorney for the ward or protected person;

(vii) a governmental agency paying or to which an application has been made for benefits for the respondent, ward, or protected person, including the county social services agency for the person's county of residence and the county where the proceeding is venued;

new text begin (viii) a representative of a state ombudsman's office or a federal protection and advocacy program that has notified the court that it has a matter regarding the ward, protected person, or respondent; new text end

deleted text begin (viii)deleted text end new text begin (ix) new text end a health care agent or proxy appointed pursuant to a health care directive as defined in section 145C.01, a living will under chapter 145B, or other similar document executed in another state and enforceable under the laws of this state; and

deleted text begin (ix)deleted text end new text begin (x) new text end any other person designated by the court.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-102, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 13a. new text end

new text begin Professional guardian or professional conservator. new text end

new text begin "Professional guardian" or "professional conservator" means a person acting as guardian or conservator for three or more individuals not related by blood, adoption, or marriage. new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [524.5-119] CENTRAL REGISTRATION OF GUARDIANS AND CONSERVATORS; APPROPRIATION. new text end

new text begin (a) By July 1, 2013, the Supreme Court shall establish a statewide registration system under which guardians and conservators appointed under sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502 must register with the state court administrator. Registration information must include the name of the guardian or conservator, whether the person is a professional guardian or conservator, date and county of appointment, and other information required by the Supreme Court. Registration data that the Supreme Court determines are accessible to the public must be accessible online or through other means implemented by the Supreme Court. new text end

new text begin (b) The state court administrator shall establish registration fees or identify another source of funds to support the costs of developing and administering the registration system. The state court administrator shall determine whether guardians and conservators should pay a registration fee and the amount of the fee, and shall take into consideration whether the guardian or conservator is a professional guardian or conservator, whether the guardian or conservator represents clients in forma pauperis, and the number of wards or protected persons the guardian or conservator represents. The state court administrator shall report to the legislature on the fees or other source of funds to support the costs of developing and administering the registration system by January 1, 2012. The state court administrator shall begin collecting fees under this paragraph on July 1, 2012. Fees collected by the state court administrator under this section are appropriated to the Supreme Court. new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [524.5-120] BILL OF RIGHTS FOR WARDS AND PROTECTED PERSONS. new text end

new text begin The ward or protected person retains all rights not restricted by court order and these rights must be enforced by the court. These rights include the right to: new text end

new text begin (1) treatment with dignity and respect; new text end

new text begin (2) due consideration of current and previously stated personal desires, medical treatment preferences, religious beliefs, and other preferences and opinions in decisions made by the guardian or conservator; new text end

new text begin (3) receive timely and appropriate health care and medical treatment that does not violate known conscientious, religious, or moral beliefs of the ward or protected person; new text end

new text begin (4) exercise control of all aspects of life not delegated specifically by court order to the guardian or conservator; new text end

new text begin (5) guardianship or conservatorship services individually suited to the ward or protected person's conditions and needs; new text end

new text begin (6) petition the court to prevent or initiate a change in abode; new text end

new text begin (7) care, comfort, social and recreational needs, training, education, habilitation, and rehabilitation care and services, within available resources; new text end

new text begin (8) be consulted concerning, and to decide to the extent possible, the reasonable care and disposition of the ward or protected person's clothing, furniture, vehicles, and other personal effects, to object to the disposition of personal property and effects, and to petition the court for a review of the guardian's or conservator's proposed disposition; new text end

new text begin (9) personal privacy; new text end

new text begin (10) communication and visitation with persons of the ward or protected person's choice, provided that if the guardian has found that certain communication or visitation may result in harm to the ward's health, safety, or well-being, that communication or visitation may be restricted but only to the extent necessary to prevent the harm; new text end

new text begin (11) marry and procreate, unless court approval is required, and to consent or object to sterilization as provided in section 524.5-313, paragraph (c), clause (4), item (iv); new text end

new text begin (12) petition the court for termination or modification of the guardianship or conservatorship or for other appropriate relief; new text end

new text begin (13) be represented by an attorney in any proceeding or for the purpose of petitioning the court; and new text end

new text begin (14) vote, unless restricted by the court. new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-304, is amended to read:

524.5-304 JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN: PRELIMINARIES TO HEARING.

(a) Upon receipt of a petition to establish a guardianship, the court shall set a date and time for hearing the petition and may appoint a visitor. The duties and reporting requirements of the visitor are limited to the relief requested in the petition.

(b) A proposed ward has the right to be represented by counsel at any proceeding under this article. The court shall appoint counsel to represent the proposed ward for the initial proceeding held pursuant to section 524.5-307 if neither the proposed ward nor others provide counsel unless in a meeting with a visitor the proposed ward new text begin makes an informed decision in writing to new text end specifically deleted text begin waivesdeleted text end new text begin waivenew text end the right to counsel. new text begin Before appointment, and at any time during the course of the representation when a risk of a conflict of interest may arise, the proposed or appointed counsel shall disclose to the court, the proposed ward or ward, and interested persons whether there are concurrent proceedings in which the counsel is the attorney for the proposed guardian or guardian and whether there is a risk of a conflict of interest under Rule 1.7 of the Rules of Professional Conduct so that the representation of the proposed ward or ward will be materially limited by counsel's concurrent responsibilities to the proposed guardian or guardian. If there is a risk of a conflict of interest, the counsel must not be appointed or new counsel must be appointed, unless:new text end

new text begin (1) the court determines that the proposed ward or ward is able to give informed consent to the representation and, if the proposed ward or ward consents, the consent is confirmed in writing pursuant to Rule 1.7; or new text end

new text begin (2) the court determines that there is not a risk of a conflict of interest under Rule 1.7 requiring the appointment of different counsel. new text end

Counsel must be appointed immediately after any petition under this article is served under section 524.5-308. Counsel has the full right of subpoena. In all proceedings under this article, counsel shall:

(1) consult with the proposed ward before any hearing;

(2) be given adequate time to prepare for all hearings; and

(3) continue to represent the person throughout any proceedings under section 524.5-307, provided that such appointment shall expire upon the expiration of the appeal time for the order appointing guardian or the order dismissing a petition, or upon such other time or event as the court may direct.

The court need not appoint counsel to represent the proposed ward on a voluntary petition, and the court may remove a court-appointed attorney at any time if the court finds that the proposed ward has made a knowing and intelligent waiver of the right to counsel or has obtained private counsel.

(c) The visitor shall personally serve the notice and petition upon the respondent and shall offer to read the notice and petition to the respondent, and if so requested the visitor shall read the notice and petition to such person. The visitor shall also interview the respondent in person, and to the extent that the respondent is able to understand:

(1) explain to the respondent the substance of the petition; the nature, purpose, and effect of the proceeding; the respondent's rights at the hearing; and the general powers and duties of a guardian;

(2) determine the respondent's views about the proposed guardian, the proposed guardian's powers and duties, and the scope and duration of the proposed guardianship;

(3) inform the respondent of the right to employ and consult with a lawyer at the respondent's own expense and the right to request a court-appointed lawyer; and

(4) inform the respondent that all costs and expenses of the proceeding, including respondent's attorneys fees, will be paid from the respondent's estate.

(d) In addition to the duties in paragraph (c), the visitor shall make any other investigation the court directs.

(e) The visitor shall promptly file a report in writing with the court, which must include:

(1) recommendations regarding the appropriateness of guardianship, including whether less restrictive means of intervention are available, the type of guardianship, and, if a limited guardianship, the powers to be granted to the limited guardian;

(2) a statement as to whether the respondent approves or disapproves of the proposed guardian, and the powers and duties proposed or the scope of the guardianship; and

(3) any other matters the court directs.

(f) The county social service agency may create a screening committee to review a petition involving an indigent person. The screening committee must consist of individuals selected by the agency with knowledge of alternatives that are less restrictive than guardianship. If the agency has created a screening committee, the court shall make its decision after the screening committee has reviewed the petition. For an indigent person, the court may appoint a guardian under contract with the county to provide these services.

new text begin (g) Before the initial appointment, and annually within 30 days after the anniversary date of the appointment, the proposed guardian or guardian shall file an informational statement with the court. The statement must be a sworn affidavit containing the following information: new text end

new text begin (1) the person's educational background and relevant work and other experience; new text end

new text begin (2) an address and telephone number where the guardian can be contacted; new text end

new text begin (3) whether the person has ever been removed for cause from serving as a guardian or conservator and if so, the case number and court location; new text end

new text begin (4) any changes occurring that would affect the accuracy of information contained in the most recent criminal background study conducted pursuant to section 524.5-118; and new text end

new text begin (5) if applicable, the amount of reimbursement for services rendered to the ward that the person has received during the previous year. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-309, is amended to read:

524.5-309 WHO MAY BE GUARDIAN: PRIORITIES.

(a) Subject to paragraph (c), the court, in appointing a guardian, shall consider persons otherwise qualified in the following order of priority:

(1) a guardian, other than a temporary or emergency guardian, currently acting for the respondent in this state or elsewhere;

(2) an agent appointed by the respondent under a health care directive pursuant to chapter 145C;

(3) the spouse of the respondent or a person nominated by will or other signed writing executed in the same manner as a health care directive pursuant to chapter 145C of a deceased spouse;

(4) an adult child of the respondent;

(5) a parent of the respondent, or an individual nominated by will or other signed writing executed in the same manner as a health care directive pursuant to chapter 145C of a deceased parent; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(6) an adult with whom the respondent has resided for more than six months before the filing of the petitionnew text begin ; new text end

new text begin (7) an adult who is related to the respondent by blood, adoption, or marriage; and new text end

new text begin (8) any other adult or a professional guardiannew text end .

(b) The court, acting in the best interest of the respondent, may decline to appoint a person having priority and appoint a person having a lower priority or no priority. With respect to persons having equal priority, the court shall select the one it considers best qualified.

(c) Any individual or agency which provides residence, custodial care, medical care, employment training or other care or services for which they receive a fee may not be appointed as guardian unless related to the respondent by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-310, is amended to read:

524.5-310 FINDINGS; ORDER OF APPOINTMENT.

(a) The court may appoint a limited or unlimited guardian for a respondent only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that:

(1) the respondent is an incapacitated person; and

(2) the respondent's identified needs cannot be met by less restrictive means, including use of appropriate technological assistance.

(b) Alternatively, the court, with appropriate findings, may treat the petition as one for a protective order under section 524.5-401, enter any other appropriate order, or dismiss the proceeding.

(c) The court shall grant to a guardian only those powers necessitated by the ward's limitations and demonstrated needs and, whenever feasible, make appointive and other orders that will encourage the development of the ward's maximum self-reliance and independence. Any power not specifically granted to the guardian, following a written finding by the court of a demonstrated need for that power, is retained by the ward.

(d) Within 14 days after an appointment, a guardian shall send or deliver to the ward, and counsel if represented at the hearing, a copy of the order of appointment accompanied by a notice which advises the ward of the right to appeal the guardianship appointment in the time and manner provided by the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

(e) Each year, within 30 days after the anniversary date of an appointment, a guardian shall send or deliver to the wardnew text begin and to interested persons of record with the courtnew text end a notice of the right to request termination or modification of the guardianship new text begin or to request an order that is in the best interests of the ward or for other appropriate relief, new text end and notice of the status of the ward's right to vote.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-315, is amended to read:

524.5-315 RIGHTS AND IMMUNITIES OF GUARDIAN; LIMITATIONS.

(a) A guardian is entitled to reasonable compensation for services as guardian and to reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of the ward, in a manner consistent with section 524.5-502.

(b) A guardian is not liable to a third person for acts of the ward solely by reason of the relationship. A guardian who exercises reasonable care in choosing a third person providing medical or other care, treatment, or service for the ward is not liable for injury to the ward resulting from the wrongful conduct of the third person.

(c) deleted text begin A guardian, without authorization of the court, may revoke the appointment of an agent of a health care directive of which the ward is the principal, but the guardiandeleted text end deleted text begin may not, absent a court order, revoke the health care directive itself. If a health care directive is in effect, absent an order of the court to the contrary, a health care decision of the guardian takes precedence over that of an agent.deleted text end new text begin A guardian may not revoke the health care directive of a ward or protected person absent a court order. A guardian may revoke the appointment of an agent of a health care directive for which the ward is the principal only under the following circumstances:new text end

new text begin (1) the agent was appointed in the previous 60 days; new text end

new text begin (2) multiple agents have been appointed; or new text end

new text begin (3) when a court has determined that the ward lacks capacity to appoint an agent of a health care directive and the court has expressly granted the guardian the power to give necessary consent to enable the ward to receive medical care, treatment, or service. new text end

new text begin In all other circumstances, the guardian may not revoke the appointment of an agent of a health care directive for which the ward is principal absent a court order. Unless the appointment of a health care directive is revoked in accordance with this section, a health care decision of the agent takes precedence over that of the guardian. new text end

(d) A guardian may not initiate the commitment of a ward to an institution except in accordance with section 524.5-313.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-316, is amended to read:

524.5-316 REPORTS; MONITORING OF GUARDIANSHIPnew text begin ; COURT ORDERSnew text end .

(a) A guardian shall report to the court in writing on the condition of the ward at least annually and whenever ordered by the court.new text begin A copy of the report must be provided to the ward and to interested persons of record with the court.new text end A report must state or contain:

(1) the current mental, physical, and social condition of the ward;

(2) the living arrangements for all addresses of the ward during the reporting period;

new text begin (3) any restrictions placed on the ward's right to communication and visitation with persons of the ward's choice and the factual bases for those restrictions; new text end

deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end the medical, educational, vocational, and other services provided to the ward and the guardian's opinion as to the adequacy of the ward's care; and

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (5)new text end a recommendation as to the need for continued guardianship and any recommended changes in the scope of the guardianship.

(b) new text begin A ward or interested person of record with the court may submit to the court a written statement disputing statements or conclusions regarding the condition of the ward that are contained in the report and may petition the court for an order that is in the best interests of the ward or for other appropriate relief. new text end

new text begin (c)new text end The court may appoint a visitor to review a report, interview the ward or guardian, and make any other investigation the court directs.

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end The court shall establish a system for monitoring guardianships, including the filing and review of annual reports.new text begin If an annual report is not filed within 60 days of the required date, the court shall issue an order to show cause. new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-317, is amended to read:

524.5-317 TERMINATION OR MODIFICATION OF GUARDIANSHIPnew text begin ; COURT ORDERSnew text end .

(a) A guardianship terminates upon the death of the ward or upon order of the court.

(b) On petition of any person interested in the ward's welfare the court may terminate a guardianship if the ward no longer needs the assistance or protection of a guardian. The court may modify the type of appointment or powers granted to the guardian if the extent of protection or assistance previously granted is currently excessive or insufficient or the ward's capacity to provide for support, care, education, health, and welfare has so changed as to warrant that action.new text begin The court may make any other order that is in the best interests of the ward or may grant other appropriate relief. new text end

(c) Except as otherwise ordered by the court for good cause, the court, before terminating a guardianship, shall follow the same procedures to safeguard the rights of the ward as apply to a petition for guardianship. Upon presentation by the petitioner of evidence establishing a prima facie case for termination, the court shall order the termination and discharge the guardian unless it is proven that continuation of the guardianship is in the best interest of the ward.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-406, is amended to read:

524.5-406 ORIGINAL PETITION: PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY; PRELIMINARIES TO HEARING.

(a) Upon the filing of a petition for a conservatorship or other protective order for a respondent for reasons other than being a minor, the court shall set a date for hearing and the court may appoint a visitor. The duties and reporting requirements of the visitor are limited to the relief requested in the petition.

(b) A respondent has the right to be represented by counsel at any proceeding under this article. The court shall appoint counsel to represent the respondent for the initial proceeding held pursuant to section 524.5-408 if neither the respondent nor others provide counsel, unless in a meeting with a visitor, the proposed respondentnew text begin makes an informed decision in writing to new text end specifically deleted text begin waivesdeleted text end new text begin waivenew text end the right to counsel. new text begin Before appointment, and at anytime during the course of the representation when a risk of a conflict of interest may arise, the proposed or appointed counsel shall disclose to the court, the proposed protected person or protected person, and interested persons whether there are concurrent proceedings in which the counsel is the attorney for the proposed conservator or conservator and whether there is a risk of a conflict of interest under Rule 1.7 of the Rules of Professional Conduct so that the representation of the proposed protected person or protected person will be materially limited by counsel's concurrent responsibilities to the proposed conservator or conservator. If there is a risk of a conflict of interest, the counsel must not be appointed, unless: new text end

new text begin (1) the court determines that the proposed protected person or protected person is able to give informed consent to the representation and, if the proposed protected person or protected person consents, the consent is confirmed in writing pursuant to Rule 1.7; or new text end

new text begin (2) the court determines that there is not a risk of a conflict of interest under Rule 1.7 requiring the appointment of different counsel. new text end

Counsel must be appointed immediately after any petition under this part is served pursuant to section 524.5-404. Counsel has the full right of subpoena. In all proceedings under this part, counsel shall:

(1) consult with the respondent before any hearing;

(2) be given adequate time to prepare for all hearings; and

(3) continue to represent the respondent throughout any proceedings under section 524.5-408, provided that such appointment shall expire upon the expiration of the appeal time for the order appointing conservator or the order dismissing a petition, or upon such other time or event as the court may direct.

The court need not appoint counsel to represent the respondent on a voluntary petition, and the court may remove a court-appointed attorney at any time if the court finds that the respondent has made a knowing and intelligent waiver of the right to counsel or has obtained private counsel.

(c) The visitor shall personally serve the notice and petition upon the respondent and shall offer to read the notice and petition to the respondent, and if so requested, the visitor shall read the notice and petition to such person. The visitor shall also interview the respondent in person, and to the extent that the respondent is able to understand:

(1) explain to the respondent the substance of the petition and the nature, purpose, and effect of the proceeding;

(2) if the appointment of a conservator is requested, inform the respondent of the general powers and duties of a conservator and determine the respondent's views regarding the proposed conservator, the proposed conservator's powers and duties, and the scope and duration of the proposed conservatorship;

(3) inform the respondent of the respondent's rights, including the right to employ and consult with a lawyer at the respondent's own expense, and the right to request a court-appointed lawyer; and

(4) inform the respondent that all costs and expenses of the proceeding, including respondent's attorney fees, will be paid from the respondent's estate.

(d) In addition to the duties set out in paragraph (c), the visitor shall make any other investigations the court directs.

(e) The visitor shall promptly file a report with the court which must include:

(1) recommendations regarding the appropriateness of a conservatorship, including whether less restrictive means of intervention are available, the type of conservatorship, and, if a limited conservatorship, the powers and duties to be granted the limited conservator, and the assets over which the conservator should be granted authority;

(2) a statement as to whether the respondent approves or disapproves of the proposed conservator, and the powers and duties proposed or the scope of the conservatorship; and

(3) any other matters the court directs.

(f) While a petition to establish a conservatorship or for another protective order is pending, after preliminary hearing and without notice to others, the court may make orders to preserve and apply the property of the respondent as may be required for the support of the respondent or individuals who are in fact dependent upon the respondent, and may appoint an agent to assist in that task.

new text begin (g) Before the initial appointment, and annually within 30 days after the anniversary date of the appointment, the proposed conservator or conservator shall file an informational statement with the court. The statement must be a sworn affidavit containing the following information: new text end

new text begin (1) the person's educational background and relevant work and other experience; new text end

new text begin (2) an address and telephone number where the conservator can be contacted; new text end

new text begin (3) whether the person has ever been removed for cause from serving as a guardian or conservator and if so, the case number and court location; new text end

new text begin (4) any changes occurring that would affect the accuracy of information contained in the most recent criminal background study conducted pursuant to section 524.5-118; and new text end

new text begin (5) if applicable, the amount of reimbursement for services rendered to the protected person that the person has received during the previous year. new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-409, is amended to read:

524.5-409 FINDINGS; ORDER OF APPOINTMENT.

(a) The court may appoint a limited or unlimited conservator for a respondent only if it finds that:

(1) by clear and convincing evidence, the individual is unable to manage property and business affairs because of an impairment in the ability to receive and evaluate information or make decisions, even with the use of appropriate technological assistance, or because the individual is missing, detained, or unable to return to the United States;

(2) by a preponderance of evidence, the individual has property that will be wasted or dissipated unless management is provided or money is needed for the support, care, education, health, and welfare of the individual or of individuals who are entitled to the individual's support and that protection is necessary or desirable to obtain or provide money; and

(3) the respondent's identified needs cannot be met by less restrictive means, including use of appropriate technological assistance.

(b) Alternatively, the court, with appropriate findings, may enter any other appropriate order, or dismiss the proceeding.

(c) The court, whenever feasible, shall grant to a conservator only those powers necessitated by the protected person's limitations and demonstrated needs and make appointive and other orders that will encourage the development of the protected person's maximum self-reliance and independence.

(d) Within 14 days after an appointment, the conservator shall send or deliver to the protected person, if the protected person has attained 14 years of age and is not missing, detained, or unable to return to the United States, and counsel if represented at the hearing, a copy of the order of appointment accompanied by a notice which advises the protected person of the right to appeal the conservatorship appointment in the time and manner provided by the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

(e) Each year, within 30 days after the anniversary date of an appointment, a conservator shall send or deliver to the protected personnew text begin and to interested persons of record with the courtnew text end a notice of the right to request termination or modification of the conservatorshipnew text begin or for any order that is in the best interests of the protected person or for other appropriate reliefnew text end .

(f) The appointment of a conservator or the entry of another protective order is not a determination of incapacity of the protected person.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-413, is amended to read:

524.5-413 WHO MAY BE CONSERVATOR; PRIORITIES.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (d), the court, in appointing a conservator, shall consider persons otherwise qualified in the following order of priority:

(1) a conservator, guardian of the estate, or other like fiduciary appointed or recognized by an appropriate court of any other jurisdiction in which the protected person resides;

(2) a person nominated as conservator by the respondent, including the respondent's most recent nomination made in a durable power of attorney, if the respondent has attained 14 years of age and at the time of the nomination had sufficient capacity to express a preference;

(3) an agent appointed by the respondent to manage the respondent's property under a durable power of attorney;

(4) the spouse of the respondent;

(5) an adult child of the respondent;

(6) a parent of the respondent; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(7) an adult with whom the respondent has resided for more than six months before the filing of the petitionnew text begin ; new text end

new text begin (8) an adult who is related to the respondent by blood, adoption, or marriage; and new text end

new text begin (9) any other adult or a professional conservatornew text end .

(b) A person having priority under paragraph (a), clause (1), (4), (5), or (6), may designate in writing a substitute to serve instead and thereby transfer the priority to the substitute.

(c) The court, acting in the best interest of the protected person, may decline to appoint a person having priority and appoint a person having a lower priority or no priority. With respect to persons having equal priority, the court shall select the one it considers best qualified.

(d) new text begin In any proceeding where the value of the personal property of the estate of the proposed protected person in the initial inventory of the estate filed by the conservator under section 524.5-419 is expected to be at least $10,000, the court shall require the conservator to post a bond. The bond requirement under this paragraph does not apply to conservators appointed before August 1, 2009, but shall apply as current conservatorships are reviewed by the court after August 1, 2009.new text end

new text begin (e) new text end Any individual or agency which provides residence, custodial care, medical care, employment training, or other care or services for which they receive a fee may not be appointed as conservator unless related to the respondent by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-414, is amended to read:

524.5-414 PETITION FOR ORDER SUBSEQUENT TO APPOINTMENT.

(a) A protected person or an interested person may file a petition in the appointing court for an order:

(1) requiring bond or collateral or additional bond or collateral, or reducing bond;

(2) requiring an accounting for the administration of the protected person's estate;

(3) directing distribution;

(4) removing the conservator and appointing a temporary or successor conservator;

(5) modifying the type of appointment or powers granted to the conservator if the extent of protection or management previously granted is currently excessive or insufficient or the protected person's ability to manage the estate and business affairs has so changed as to warrant the action; or

(6)new text begin acting in the protected person's best interests or new text end granting other appropriate relief.

(b) A conservator may petition the appointing court for instructions concerning fiduciary responsibility.

(c) On notice and hearing the petition, the court may give appropriate instructions and make any appropriate order.

(d) The court may, at its own discretion, waive the notice or hearing requirements for the relief requested in a petition filed under this section.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.5-420, is amended to read:

524.5-420 REPORTS; APPOINTMENT OF VISITOR; MONITORINGnew text begin ; COURT ORDERSnew text end .

(a) A conservator shall report to the court for administration of the estate annually unless the court otherwise directs, upon resignation or removal, upon termination of the conservatorship, and at other times as the court directs. An order, after notice and hearing, allowing an intermediate report of a conservator adjudicates liabilities concerning the matters adequately disclosed in the accounting. An order, after notice and hearing, allowing a final report adjudicates all previously unsettled liabilities relating to the conservatorship.

(b) A report must state or contain a listing of the assets of the estate under the conservator's control and a listing of the receipts, disbursements, and distributions during the reporting period.

(c)new text begin A protected person or an interested person of record with the court may submit to the court a written statement disputing account statements regarding the administration of the estate that are contained in the report and may petition the court for any order that is in the best interests of the protected person and the estate or for other appropriate relief. new text end

new text begin (d) new text end The court may appoint a visitor to review a report or plan, interview the protected person or conservator, and make any other investigation the court directs. In connection with a report, the court may order a conservator to submit the assets of the estate to an appropriate examination to be made in a manner the court directs.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (e)new text end The court shall establish a system for monitoring of conservatorships, including the filing and review of conservators' reports and plans.new text begin If an annual report is not filed within 60 days of the required date, the court shall issue an order to show cause.new text end

Presented to the governor May 20, 2009

Signed by the governor May 22, 2009, 7:41 a.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes