This bill amends the Mental Health Code, specifically section 628, to clarify the appointment of guardians for individuals with developmental disabilities. It stipulates that the court may appoint a suitable individual or agency as a guardian, explicitly excluding the Department of Health and Human Services or any agency providing direct services to the individual unless no other suitable options are available. The bill also introduces a priority system for appointing professional guardians, requiring that they be licensed under the relevant occupational code. Additionally, it mandates that employees of professional guardians must also be licensed to make significant decisions on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of considering the preferences of the individual with a developmental disability when appointing a guardian. It includes a new definition for "professional guardian" as per the estates and protected individuals code. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of House Bill No. 4728.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 330.1628