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3D. Understanding Your Ward’s Medical Needs
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A guardian is responsible for understanding a ward’s medical needs. After the Court appoints you as guardian, do these as soon as possible: |
Get several certified copies of the Letters of Guardianship.
Get a copy of the Order of Appointment from the clerk of court.
Carefully review the Order of Appointment.
(This details the scope of your decision-making authority. That scope may include the authority to consent to medical treatment, behavioral health treatment, or involuntary treatment.)
If the ward lives in a facility, visit with the ward in the facility.
Talk to medical professionals about the ward’s condition and current treatment.
- All diagnoses.
- Medications.
- Other health services needed.
- The risks and benefits of current treatment or treatment that may be needed.
- The progress the ward has made under the current treatment plan.
- Any alternatives to the current treatment plan.
Try to have your first talk with the primary medical provider in person. If that’s not possible, meet by video conference or phone. The important thing is to make sure you have enough time to ask questions to become fully informed about your ward’s medical condition and needs.