Florida Senate - 2015                        COMMITTEE AMENDMENT
       Bill No. CS for SB 318
       
       
       
       
       
       
                                Ì567632.Î567632                         
       
                              LEGISLATIVE ACTION                        
                    Senate             .             House              
                   Comm: RS            .                                
                  04/02/2015           .                                
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       Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice (Soto)
       recommended the following:
       
    1         Senate Amendment (with title amendment)
    2  
    3         Delete everything after the enacting clause
    4  and insert:
    5         Section 1. Subsection (3) of section 709.2109, Florida
    6  Statutes, is amended to read:
    7         709.2109 Termination or suspension of power of attorney or
    8  agent’s authority.—
    9         (3) If any person initiates judicial proceedings to
   10  determine the principal’s incapacity or for the appointment of a
   11  guardian advocate, the authority granted under the power of
   12  attorney is suspended until the petition is dismissed or
   13  withdrawn or the court enters an order authorizing the agent to
   14  exercise one or more powers granted under the power of attorney.
   15  However, if the agent named in the power of attorney is the
   16  principal’s parent, spouse, child, or grandchild, the authority
   17  under the power of attorney is not suspended unless a verified
   18  motion in accordance with s. 744.3203 is also filed.
   19         (a) If an emergency arises after initiation of proceedings
   20  to determine incapacity and before adjudication regarding the
   21  principal’s capacity, the agent may petition the court in which
   22  the proceeding is pending for authorization to exercise a power
   23  granted under the power of attorney. The petition must set forth
   24  the nature of the emergency, the property or matter involved,
   25  and the power to be exercised by the agent.
   26         (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, unless
   27  otherwise ordered by the court, a proceeding to determine
   28  incapacity does not affect the authority of the agent to make
   29  health care decisions for the principal, including, but not
   30  limited to, those provided in chapter 765. If the principal has
   31  executed a health care advance directive designating a health
   32  care surrogate, the terms of the directive control if the
   33  directive and the power of attorney are in conflict unless the
   34  power of attorney is later executed and expressly states
   35  otherwise.
   36         Section 2. Subsection (5) is added to section 744.107,
   37  Florida Statutes, to read:
   38         744.107 Court monitors.—
   39         (5) The court may appoint the office of criminal conflict
   40  and civil regional counsel as monitor if the ward is indigent.
   41         Section 3. Subsection (6) is added to section 744.1075,
   42  Florida Statutes, to read:
   43         744.1075 Emergency court monitor.—
   44         (6) The court may appoint the office of criminal conflict
   45  and civil regional counsel as monitor if the ward is indigent.
   46         Section 4. Subsections (5) and (8) of section 744.108,
   47  Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (9) is added to
   48  that section, to read:
   49         744.108 Guardian Guardian’s and attorney attorney’s fees
   50  and expenses.—
   51         (5) All petitions for guardian guardian’s and attorney
   52  attorney’s fees and expenses must be accompanied by an itemized
   53  description of the services performed for the fees and expenses
   54  sought to be recovered.
   55         (8) When court proceedings are instituted to review or
   56  determine a guardian’s or an attorney’s fees under subsection
   57  (2), such proceedings are part of the guardianship
   58  administration process and the costs, including costs and
   59  attorney fees for the guardian’s attorney, an attorney appointed
   60  under s. 744.331(2), or an attorney who has rendered services to
   61  the ward, shall be determined by the court and paid from the
   62  assets of the guardianship estate unless the court finds the
   63  requested compensation under subsection (2) to be substantially
   64  unreasonable.
   65         (9) The court may determine that a request for compensation
   66  by the guardian, the guardian’s attorney, a person employed by
   67  the guardian, an attorney appointed under s. 744.331(2), or an
   68  attorney who has rendered services to the ward, is reasonable
   69  without receiving expert testimony. A person or party may offer
   70  expert testimony for or against a request for compensation after
   71  giving notice to interested persons. Reasonable expert witness
   72  fees shall be awarded by the court and paid from the assets of
   73  the guardianship estate using the standards in subsection (8).
   74         Section 5. Section 744.3025, Florida Statutes, is amended
   75  to read:
   76         744.3025 Claims of minors.—
   77         (1)(a) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to
   78  represent the minor’s interest before approving a settlement of
   79  the minor’s portion of the claim in a any case in which a minor
   80  has a claim for personal injury, property damage, wrongful
   81  death, or other cause of action in which the gross settlement of
   82  the claim exceeds $15,000 if the court believes a guardian ad
   83  litem is necessary to protect the minor’s interest.
   84         (b) Except as provided in paragraph (e), the court shall
   85  appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the minor’s interest
   86  before approving a settlement of the minor’s claim in a any case
   87  in which the gross settlement involving a minor equals or
   88  exceeds $50,000.
   89         (c) The appointment of the guardian ad litem must be
   90  without the necessity of bond or notice.
   91         (d) The duty of the guardian ad litem is to protect the
   92  minor’s interests as described in the Florida Probate Rules.
   93         (e) A court need not appoint a guardian ad litem for the
   94  minor if a guardian of the minor has previously been appointed
   95  and that guardian has no potential adverse interest to the
   96  minor. A court may appoint a guardian ad litem if the court
   97  believes a guardian ad litem is necessary to protect the
   98  interests of the minor.
   99         (2) Unless waived, the court shall award reasonable fees
  100  and costs to the guardian ad litem to be paid out of the gross
  101  proceeds of the settlement.
  102         (3) A settlement of a claim pursuant to this section is
  103  subject to the confidentiality provisions of this chapter.
  104         Section 6. Subsections (2) through (8) of section 744.3031,
  105  Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (3) through (9),
  106  respectively, and a new subsection (2) is added to that section,
  107  and present subsection (8) of that section is amended, to read:
  108         744.3031 Emergency temporary guardianship.—
  109         (2) Notice of filing of the petition for appointment of an
  110  emergency temporary guardian and a hearing on the petition must
  111  be served on the alleged incapacitated person and on the alleged
  112  incapacitated person’s attorney at least 24 hours before the
  113  hearing on the petition is commenced, unless the petitioner
  114  demonstrates that substantial harm to the alleged incapacitated
  115  person would occur if the 24-hour notice is given.
  116         (9)(8)(a) An emergency temporary guardian shall file a
  117  final report no later than 30 days after the expiration of the
  118  emergency temporary guardianship.
  119         (b)A court may not authorize any final payment of the
  120  emergency temporary guardian fees or the fees of his or her
  121  attorney until the final report is filed.
  122  
  123         (c)(b) If an emergency temporary guardian is a guardian for
  124  the property, the final report must consist of a verified
  125  inventory of the property, as provided in s. 744.365, as of the
  126  date the letters of emergency temporary guardianship were
  127  issued, a final accounting that gives a full and correct account
  128  of the receipts and disbursements of all the property of the
  129  ward over which the guardian had control, and a statement of the
  130  property of the ward on hand at the end of the emergency
  131  temporary guardianship. If the emergency temporary guardian
  132  becomes the successor guardian of the property, the final report
  133  must satisfy the requirements of the initial guardianship report
  134  for the guardian of the property as provided in s. 744.362.
  135         (d)(c) If the emergency temporary guardian is a guardian of
  136  the person, the final report must summarize the activities of
  137  the temporary guardian with regard to residential placement,
  138  medical condition, mental health and rehabilitative services,
  139  and the social condition of the ward to the extent of the
  140  authority granted to the temporary guardian in the letters of
  141  guardianship. If the emergency temporary guardian becomes the
  142  successor guardian of the person, the report must satisfy the
  143  requirements of the initial report for a guardian of the person
  144  as stated in s. 744.362.
  145         (e)(d) A copy of the final report of the emergency
  146  temporary guardianship shall be served on the successor guardian
  147  and the ward.
  148         Section 7. Subsection (7) is added to section 744.309,
  149  Florida Statutes, to read:
  150         744.309 Who may be appointed guardian of a resident ward.—
  151         (7) FOR-PROFIT CORPORATE GUARDIAN.—A for-profit corporate
  152  guardian existing under the laws of this state is qualified to
  153  act as guardian of a ward if the entity is qualified to do
  154  business in the state, is wholly owned by the person who is the
  155  circuit’s public guardian in the circuit where the corporate
  156  guardian is appointed, has met the registration requirements of
  157  s. 744.1083, and posts and maintains a bond or insurance policy
  158  under paragraph (a).
  159         (a) The for-profit corporate guardian must meet one of the
  160  following requirements:
  161         1 Post and maintain a blanket fiduciary bond of at least
  162  $250,000 with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in
  163  which the corporate guardian has its principal place of
  164  business. The corporate guardian shall provide proof of the
  165  fiduciary bond to the clerks of each additional circuit court in
  166  which he or she is serving as a guardian. The bond must cover
  167  all wards for whom the corporation has been appointed as a
  168  guardian at any given time. The liability of the provider of the
  169  bond is limited to the face value of the bond, regardless of the
  170  number of wards for whom the corporation is acting as a
  171  guardian. The terms of the bond must cover the acts or omissions
  172  of each agent or employee of the corporation who has direct
  173  contact with the ward or access to the assets of the
  174  guardianship. The bond must be payable to the Governor and his
  175  or her successors in office and be conditioned on the faithful
  176  performance of all duties of a guardian under this chapter. The
  177  bond is in lieu of and not in addition to the bond required
  178  under s. 744.1085 but is in addition to any bonds required under
  179  s. 744.351. The expenses incurred to satisfy the bonding
  180  requirements of this section may not be paid with the assets of
  181  any ward; or
  182         2. Maintain a liability insurance policy that covers any
  183  losses sustained by the guardianship caused by errors,
  184  omissions, or any intentional misconduct committed by the
  185  corporation’s officers or agents. The policy must cover all
  186  wards for whom the corporation is acting as a guardian for
  187  losses up to $250,000. The terms of the policy must cover acts
  188  or omissions of each agent or employee of the corporation who
  189  has direct contact with the ward or access to the assets of the
  190  guardianship. The corporate guardian shall provide proof of the
  191  fiduciary bond to the clerk of each circuit court in which he or
  192  she is serving as a guardian.
  193         (b) A for-profit corporation appointed as guardian before
  194  July 1, 2015, is also qualified to serve as a guardian in the
  195  particular guardianships in which the corporation has already
  196  been appointed as guardian.
  197         Section 8. Section 744.3115, Florida Statutes, is amended
  198  to read:
  199         744.3115 Advance directives for health care.—In each
  200  proceeding in which a guardian is appointed under this chapter,
  201  the court shall determine whether the ward, prior to incapacity,
  202  has executed any valid advance directive under chapter 765. If
  203  any advance directive exists, the court shall specify in its
  204  order and letters of guardianship what authority, if any, the
  205  guardian shall exercise over the ward with regard to health care
  206  decisions and what authority, if any, the surrogate shall
  207  continue to exercise over the ward with regard to health care
  208  decisions surrogate. Pursuant to the grounds listed in s.
  209  765.105, the court, upon its own motion, may, with notice to the
  210  surrogate and any other appropriate parties, modify or revoke
  211  the authority of the surrogate to make health care decisions for
  212  the ward. Any order revoking or modifying the authority of the
  213  surrogate must be supported by specific written findings of
  214  fact. If the court order provides that the guardian is
  215  responsible for making health care decisions for the ward, the
  216  guardian shall assume the responsibilities of the surrogate
  217  which are provided in s. 765.205. For purposes of this section,
  218  the term “health care decision” has the same meaning as in s.
  219  765.101.
  220         Section 9. Section 744.312, Florida Statutes, is reordered
  221  and amended to read:
  222         744.312 Considerations in appointment of guardian.—
  223         (1)(4) If the person designated is qualified to serve
  224  pursuant to s. 744.309, the court shall appoint any standby
  225  guardian or preneed guardian, unless the court determines that
  226  appointing such person is contrary to the best interests of the
  227  ward.
  228         (2)(1)If a guardian cannot be appointed under subsection
  229  (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), the court may
  230  appoint any person who is fit and proper and qualified to act as
  231  guardian, whether related to the ward or not.
  232         (2) The court shall give preference to the appointment of a
  233  person who:
  234         (a) Is related by blood or marriage to the ward;
  235         (b) Has educational, professional, or business experience
  236  relevant to the nature of the services sought to be provided;
  237         (c) Has the capacity to manage the financial resources
  238  involved; or
  239         (d) Has the ability to meet the requirements of the law and
  240  the unique needs of the individual case.
  241         (3) The court shall also:
  242         (a) Consider the wishes expressed by an incapacitated
  243  person as to who shall be appointed guardian.;
  244         (b) Consider the preference of a minor who is age 14 or
  245  over as to who should be appointed guardian.;
  246         (c) Consider any person designated as guardian in any will
  247  in which the ward is a beneficiary.
  248         (d) Consider the wishes of the ward’s next of kin, when the
  249  ward cannot express a preference.
  250         (4) Except when a standby guardian or a preneed guardian is
  251  appointed by the court:
  252         (a) In each case when a court appoints a professional
  253  guardian and does not use a rotation system for such
  254  appointment, the court must make specific findings of fact
  255  stating why the person was selected as guardian in the
  256  particular matter involved. The findings must reference each of
  257  the factors listed in subsections (2) and (3).
  258         (b) An emergency temporary guardian who is a professional
  259  guardian may not be appointed as the permanent guardian of a
  260  ward unless one of the next of kin of the alleged incapacitated
  261  person or the ward requests that the professional guardian be
  262  appointed as permanent guardian. The court may waive the
  263  limitations of this paragraph if the special requirements of the
  264  guardianship demand that the court appoint a guardian because he
  265  or she has special talent or specific prior experience. The
  266  court must make specific findings of fact that justify waiving
  267  the limitations of this paragraph.
  268         (5) The court may not give preference to the appointment of
  269  a person under subsection (2) based solely on the fact that such
  270  person was appointed by the court to serve as an emergency
  271  temporary guardian.
  272         Section 10. Section 744.3203, Florida Statutes, is created
  273  to read:
  274         744.3203 Suspension of power of attorney before incapacity
  275  determination.—
  276         (1) At any time during proceedings to determine incapacity
  277  but before the entry of an order determining incapacity, the
  278  authority granted under an alleged incapacitated person’s power
  279  of attorney to a parent, spouse, child, or grandchild is
  280  suspended when the petitioner files a motion stating that a
  281  specific power of attorney should be suspended for any of the
  282  following grounds:
  283         (a) The agent’s decisions are not in accord with the
  284  alleged incapacitated person’s known desires.
  285         (b) The power of attorney is invalid.
  286         (c) The agent has failed to discharge his or her duties or
  287  incapacity or illness renders the agent incapable of discharging
  288  duties.
  289         (d) The agent has abused powers.
  290         (e) There is a danger that the property of the alleged
  291  incapacitated person may be wasted, misappropriated, or lost
  292  unless the authority under the power of attorney is suspended.
  293  
  294  Grounds for suspending a power of attorney do not include the
  295  existence of a dispute between the agent and the petitioner
  296  which is more appropriate for resolution in some other forum or
  297  a legal proceeding other than a guardianship proceeding.
  298         (2) The motion must:
  299         (a) Identify one or more of the grounds in subsection (1);
  300         (b) Include specific statements of fact showing that
  301  grounds exist to justify the relief sought; and
  302         (c) Include the following statement: “Under penalties of
  303  perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing motion and
  304  that the facts stated in it are true to the best of my knowledge
  305  and belief,” followed by the signature of the petitioner.
  306         (3) Upon the filing of a response to the motion by the
  307  agent under the power of attorney, the court shall schedule the
  308  motion for an expedited hearing. Unless an emergency arises and
  309  the agent’s response sets forth the nature of the emergency, the
  310  property or matter involved, and the power to be exercised by
  311  the agent, notice must be given to all interested persons, the
  312  alleged incapacitated person, and the alleged incapacitated
  313  person’s attorney. The court order following the hearing must
  314  set forth what powers the agent is permitted to exercise, if
  315  any, pending the outcome of the petition to determine
  316  incapacity.
  317         (4) In addition to any other remedy authorized by law, a
  318  court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs to an agent
  319  who successfully challenges the suspension of the power of
  320  attorney if the petitioner’s motion was made in bad faith.
  321         (5) The suspension of authority granted to persons other
  322  than a parent, spouse, child, or grandchild shall be as provided
  323  in s. 709.2109.
  324         Section 11. Subsection (6) and paragraph (c) of subsection
  325  (7) of section 744.331, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  326         744.331 Procedures to determine incapacity.—
  327         (6) ORDER DETERMINING INCAPACITY.—If, after making findings
  328  of fact on the basis of clear and convincing evidence, the court
  329  finds that a person is incapacitated with respect to the
  330  exercise of a particular right, or all rights, the court shall
  331  enter a written order determining such incapacity. In
  332  determining incapacity, the court shall consider the person’s
  333  unique needs and abilities and may only remove those rights that
  334  the court finds the person does not have the capacity to
  335  exercise. A person is determined to be incapacitated only with
  336  respect to those rights specified in the order.
  337         (a) The court shall make the following findings:
  338         1. The exact nature and scope of the person’s incapacities;
  339         2. The exact areas in which the person lacks capacity to
  340  make informed decisions about care and treatment services or to
  341  meet the essential requirements for her or his physical or
  342  mental health or safety;
  343         3. The specific legal disabilities to which the person is
  344  subject; and
  345         4. The specific rights that the person is incapable of
  346  exercising.
  347         (b) When an order determines that a person is incapable of
  348  exercising delegable rights, the court must consider and find
  349  whether there is an alternative to guardianship that will
  350  sufficiently address the problems of the incapacitated person. A
  351  guardian must be appointed to exercise the incapacitated
  352  person’s delegable rights unless the court finds there is an
  353  alternative. A guardian may not be appointed if the court finds
  354  there is an alternative to guardianship which will sufficiently
  355  address the problems of the incapacitated person. If the court
  356  finds there is not an alternative to guardianship that
  357  sufficiently addresses the problems of the incapacitated person,
  358  a guardian must be appointed to exercise the incapacitated
  359  person’s delegable rights.
  360         (c) In determining that a person is totally incapacitated,
  361  the order must contain findings of fact demonstrating that the
  362  individual is totally without capacity to care for herself or
  363  himself or her or his property.
  364         (d) An order adjudicating a person to be incapacitated
  365  constitutes proof of such incapacity until further order of the
  366  court.
  367         (e) After the order determining that the person is
  368  incapacitated has been filed with the clerk, it must be served
  369  on the incapacitated person. The person is deemed incapacitated
  370  only to the extent of the findings of the court. The filing of
  371  the order is notice of the incapacity. An incapacitated person
  372  retains all rights not specifically removed by the court.
  373         (f) Upon the filing of a verified statement by an
  374  interested person stating:
  375         1. That he or she has a good faith belief that the alleged
  376  incapacitated person’s trust, trust amendment, or durable power
  377  of attorney is invalid; and
  378         2. A reasonable factual basis for that belief,
  379  
  380  the trust, trust amendment, or durable power of attorney shall
  381  not be deemed to be an alternative to the appointment of a
  382  guardian. The appointment of a guardian does not limit the
  383  court’s power to determine that certain authority granted by a
  384  durable power of attorney is to remain exercisable by the agent
  385  attorney in fact.
  386         (7) FEES.—
  387         (c) If the petition is dismissed or denied:,
  388         1. The fees of the examining committee shall be paid upon
  389  court order as expert witness fees under s. 29.004(6).
  390         2. Costs and attorney attorney’s fees of the proceeding may
  391  be assessed against the petitioner if the court finds the
  392  petition to have been filed in bad faith. The petitioner shall
  393  also reimburse the state courts system for any amounts paid
  394  under subparagraph 1. upon such a finding.
  395         Section 12. Subsection (4) of section 744.344, Florida
  396  Statutes, is amended to read:
  397         744.344 Order of appointment.—
  398         (4) If a petition for the appointment of a guardian has not
  399  been filed or ruled upon at the time of the hearing on the
  400  petition to determine capacity, the court may appoint an
  401  emergency temporary guardian in the manner and for the purposes
  402  specified in s. 744.3031.
  403         Section 13. Section 744.345, Florida Statutes, is amended
  404  to read:
  405         744.345 Letters of guardianship.—Letters of guardianship
  406  shall be issued to the guardian and shall specify whether the
  407  guardianship pertains to the person, or the property, or both,
  408  of the ward. The letters must state whether the guardianship is
  409  plenary or limited, and, if limited, the letters must state the
  410  powers and duties of the guardian. If the guardianship is
  411  limited, The letters shall state whether or not and to what
  412  extent the guardian is authorized to act on behalf of the ward
  413  with regard to any advance directive previously executed by the
  414  ward.
  415         Section 14. Section 744.359, Florida Statutes, is created
  416  to read:
  417         744.359 Abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a guardian.—
  418         (1) A guardian may not abuse, neglect, or exploit a ward.
  419         (2) A guardian has committed exploitation when the
  420  guardian:
  421         (a) Commits fraud in obtaining appointment as a guardian;
  422         (b) Abuses his or her powers; or
  423         (c) Wastes, embezzles, or intentionally mismanages the
  424  assets of the ward.
  425         (3) A person who believes that a guardian is abusing,
  426  neglecting, or exploiting a ward shall report the incident to
  427  the central abuse hotline of the Department of Children and
  428  Families.
  429         (4) This section shall be interpreted in conformity with s.
  430  825.103.
  431         Section 15. Section 744.361, Florida Statutes, is amended
  432  to read:
  433         744.361 Powers and duties of guardian.—
  434         (1) The guardian of an incapacitated person is a fiduciary
  435  and may exercise only those rights that have been removed from
  436  the ward and delegated to the guardian. The guardian of a minor
  437  shall exercise the powers of a plenary guardian.
  438         (2) The guardian shall act within the scope of the
  439  authority granted by the court and as provided by law.
  440         (3) The guardian shall act in good faith.
  441         (4) A guardian may not act in a manner that is contrary to
  442  the ward’s best interests under the circumstances.
  443         (5) A guardian who has special skills or expertise, or is
  444  appointed in reliance upon the guardian’s representation that
  445  the guardian has special skills or expertise, shall use those
  446  special skills or expertise when acting on behalf of the ward.
  447         (6)(2) The guardian shall file an initial guardianship
  448  report in accordance with s. 744.362.
  449         (7)(3) The guardian shall file a guardianship report
  450  annually in accordance with s. 744.367.
  451         (8)(4) The guardian of the person shall implement the
  452  guardianship plan.
  453         (9)(5) When two or more guardians have been appointed, the
  454  guardians shall consult with each other.
  455         (10)(6) A guardian who is given authority over any property
  456  of the ward shall:
  457         (a) Protect and preserve the property and invest it
  458  prudently as provided in chapter 518, apply it as provided in s.
  459  744.397, and keep clear, distinct, and accurate records of the
  460  administration of the ward’s property account for it faithfully.
  461         (b) Perform all other duties required of him or her by law.
  462         (c) At the termination of the guardianship, deliver the
  463  property of the ward to the person lawfully entitled to it.
  464         (11)(7) The guardian shall observe the standards in dealing
  465  with the guardianship property that would be observed by a
  466  prudent person dealing with the property of another, and, if the
  467  guardian has special skills or is named guardian on the basis of
  468  representations of special skills or expertise, he or she is
  469  under a duty to use those skills.
  470         (12)(8) The guardian, if authorized by the court, shall
  471  take possession of all of the ward’s property and of the rents,
  472  income, issues, and profits from it, whether accruing before or
  473  after the guardian’s appointment, and of the proceeds arising
  474  from the sale, lease, or mortgage of the property or of any
  475  part. All of the property and the rents, income, issues, and
  476  profits from it are assets in the hands of the guardian for the
  477  payment of debts, taxes, claims, charges, and expenses of the
  478  guardianship and for the care, support, maintenance, and
  479  education of the ward or the ward’s dependents, as provided for
  480  under the terms of the guardianship plan or by law.
  481         (13) Recognizing that every individual has unique needs and
  482  abilities, a guardian who is given authority over a ward’s
  483  person shall, as appropriate under the circumstances:
  484         (a) Consider the expressed desires of the ward as known by
  485  the guardian when making decisions that affect the ward.
  486         (b) Allow the ward to maintain contact with family and
  487  friends unless the guardian believes that such contact may cause
  488  harm to the ward.
  489         (c) Not restrict the physical liberty of the ward more than
  490  reasonably necessary to protect the ward or another person from
  491  serious physical injury, illness, or disease.
  492         (d) Assist the ward in developing or regaining capacity, if
  493  medically possible.
  494         (e) Notify the court if the guardian believes that the ward
  495  has regained capacity and that one or more of the rights that
  496  have been removed should be restored to the ward.
  497         (f) To the extent applicable, make provision for the
  498  medical, mental, rehabilitative, or personal care services for
  499  the welfare of the ward.
  500         (g) To the extent applicable, acquire a clear understanding
  501  of the risks and benefits of a recommended course of health care
  502  treatment before making a health care decision.
  503         (h) Evaluate the ward’s medical and health care options,
  504  financial resources, and desires when making residential
  505  decisions that are best suited for the current needs of the
  506  ward.
  507         (i) Advocate on behalf of the ward in institutional and
  508  other residential settings and regarding access to home and
  509  community-based services.
  510         (j) Acquire an understanding of the available residential
  511  options and give priority to home and other community-based
  512  services and settings when not inconsistent with the person’s
  513  goals, needs, and preferences.
  514         (14)(9) A professional guardian must ensure that each of
  515  the guardian’s wards is personally visited by the guardian or
  516  one of the guardian’s professional staff at least once each
  517  calendar quarter. During the personal visit, the guardian or the
  518  guardian’s professional staff person shall assess:
  519         (a) The ward’s physical appearance and condition.
  520         (b) The appropriateness of the ward’s current living
  521  situation.
  522         (c) The need for any additional services and the necessity
  523  for continuation of existing services, taking into consideration
  524  all aspects of social, psychological, educational, direct
  525  service, health, and personal care needs.
  526         (d) The nature and extent of visitation and communication
  527  with the ward’s family and friends.
  528  
  529  This subsection does not apply to a professional guardian who
  530  has been appointed only as guardian of the property.
  531         Section 16. Subsection (1) of section 744.367, Florida
  532  Statutes, is amended to read:
  533         744.367 Duty to file annual guardianship report.—
  534         (1) Unless the court requires filing on a calendar-year
  535  basis, each guardian of the person shall file with the court an
  536  annual guardianship plan at least 60 days, but no more than
  537  within 90 days, before after the last day of the anniversary
  538  month that the letters of guardianship were signed, and the plan
  539  must cover the coming fiscal year, ending on the last day in
  540  such anniversary month. If the court requires calendar-year
  541  filing, the guardianship plan for the forthcoming calendar year
  542  must be filed on or after September 1 but no later than December
  543  1 of the current year before April 1 of each year.
  544         Section 17. Subsection (8) of section 744.369, Florida
  545  Statutes, is amended to read:
  546         744.369 Judicial review of guardianship reports.—
  547         (8) The approved report constitutes the authority for the
  548  guardian to act in the forthcoming year. The powers of the
  549  guardian are limited by the terms of the report. The annual
  550  report may not grant additional authority to the guardian
  551  without a hearing, as provided for in s. 744.331, to determine
  552  that the ward is incapacitated to act in that matter. Unless the
  553  court orders otherwise, the guardian may continue to act under
  554  authority of the last-approved report until the forthcoming
  555  year’s report is approved.
  556         Section 18. Subsection (1) of section 744.3715, Florida
  557  Statutes, is amended to read:
  558         744.3715 Petition for interim judicial review.—
  559         (1) At any time, any interested person, including the ward,
  560  may petition the court for review alleging that the guardian is
  561  not complying with the guardianship plan, or is exceeding his or
  562  her authority under the guardianship plan, is acting in a manner
  563  contrary to s. 744.361, is denying visitation between the ward
  564  and his or her relatives in violation of s. 744.361(13), or and
  565  the guardian is not acting in the best interest of the ward. The
  566  petition for review must state the nature of the objection to
  567  the guardian’s action or proposed action. Upon the filing of any
  568  such petition, the court shall review the petition and act upon
  569  it expeditiously.
  570         Section 19. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (3) of
  571  section 744.464, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection
  572  (4) is added to that section, to read:
  573         744.464 Restoration to capacity.—
  574         (3) ORDER OF RESTORATION.—
  575         (a) If no objections are filed, and the court is satisfied
  576  that with the medical examination establishes by a preponderance
  577  of the evidence that restoration of all or some of the ward’s
  578  rights is appropriate, the court shall enter an order of
  579  restoration of capacity, restoring all or some of the rights
  580  which were removed from the ward in accordance with those
  581  findings. The order must be issued within 30 days after the
  582  medical report is filed.
  583         (b) At the conclusion of a hearing, conducted pursuant to
  584  s. 744.1095, the court shall make specific findings of fact and,
  585  based on a preponderance of the evidence, enter an order either
  586  denying the suggestion of capacity or restoring all or some of
  587  the rights which were removed from the ward. The ward has the
  588  burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the
  589  restoration of capacity is warranted.
  590         (4) TIMELINESS OF HEARING.—The court shall give priority to
  591  any suggestion of capacity and shall advance the cause on the
  592  calendar.
  593         Section 20. Sections 709.2109 and 744.3203, Florida
  594  Statutes, as created by this act, apply to all proceedings filed
  595  on or after July 1, 2015. The amendments made by this act to ss.
  596  744.107, 744.1075, 744.108, 744.3025, 744.3031, 744.309,
  597  744.3115, 744.312, 744.331, 744.344, 744.345, 744.359, 744.361,
  598  744.367, 744.369, 744.3715, and 744.464, Florida Statutes, apply
  599  to all proceedings pending on July 1, 2015.
  600         Section 21. This act shall take effect July 1, 2015.
  601  
  602  ================= T I T L E  A M E N D M E N T ================
  603  And the title is amended as follows:
  604         Delete everything before the enacting clause
  605  and insert:
  606                        A bill to be entitled                      
  607         An act relating to guardianship proceedings; amending
  608         s. 709.2109, F.S.; requiring the filing of a motion
  609         before termination or suspension of a power of
  610         attorney in proceedings to determine a principal’s
  611         incapacity or for appointment of a guardian advocate
  612         under certain circumstances; amending ss. 744.107 and
  613         744.1075, F.S.; authorizing a court to appoint the
  614         office of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel
  615         as a court monitor in guardianship proceedings;
  616         amending s. 744.108, F.S.; providing that fees and
  617         costs incurred by an attorney who has rendered
  618         services to a ward in compensation proceedings are
  619         payable from guardianship assets; providing that
  620         expert testimony is not required in proceedings to
  621         determine compensation for an attorney or guardian;
  622         requiring a person offering expert testimony to
  623         provide notice to interested persons; providing that
  624         reasonable expert witness fees are recoverable;
  625         amending s. 744.3025, F.S.; providing that a court may
  626         appoint a guardian ad litem to represent a minor if
  627         necessary to protect the minor’s interest in a
  628         settlement; providing that a settlement of a minor’s
  629         claim is subject to certain confidentiality
  630         provisions; amending s. 744.3031, F.S.; requiring
  631         notification of an alleged incapacitated person and
  632         such person’s attorney of a petition for appointment
  633         of an emergency temporary guardian before a hearing on
  634         the petition commences; prohibiting the final payment
  635         of the emergency temporary guardian fees and his or
  636         her attorney fees until the final report is filed;
  637         amending s. 744.309, F.S.; providing that certain for
  638         profit corporations may act as guardian of a person;
  639         providing conditions; requiring the posting and
  640         maintenance of a fiduciary bond; limiting liability;
  641         requiring the corporation to maintain certain
  642         insurance coverage; providing for certain
  643         grandfathered guardianships; amending s. 744.3115,
  644         F.S.; directing the court to specify authority for
  645         health care decisions with respect to a ward’s advance
  646         directive; amending s. 744.312, F.S.; requiring a
  647         court to consider the wishes of the ward’s relatives
  648         when appointing a guardian; prohibiting a court from
  649         giving preference to the appointment of certain
  650         persons as guardians; providing requirements for the
  651         appointment of professional guardians; amending s.
  652         744.3203, F.S.; providing grounds for filing a motion
  653         for suspension of a power of attorney before
  654         determination of incapacity; providing criteria for
  655         such motion; requiring a hearing under certain
  656         conditions; providing for the award of attorney fees
  657         and costs; amending s. 744.331, F.S.; directing the
  658         court to consider certain factors when determining
  659         incapacity; requiring that the examining committee be
  660         paid from state funds as court-appointed expert
  661         witnesses if a petition for incapacity is dismissed;
  662         requiring that a petitioner reimburse the state for
  663         such expert witness fees if the court finds the
  664         petition to have been filed in bad faith; amending s.
  665         744.344, F.S.; providing conditions under which the
  666         court is authorized to appoint an emergency temporary
  667         guardian; amending s. 744.345, F.S.; revising
  668         provisions relating to letters of guardianship;
  669         creating s. 744.359, F.S.; prohibiting abuse, neglect,
  670         or exploitation of a ward by a guardian; requiring
  671         reporting thereof to the Department of Children and
  672         Families central abuse hotline; providing for
  673         interpretation; amending s. 744.361, F.S.; providing
  674         additional powers and duties of a guardian; amending
  675         s. 744.367, F.S.; revising the period during which a
  676         guardian must file an annual guardianship plan with
  677         the court; amending s. 744.369, F.S.; providing for
  678         the continuance of a guardian’s authority to act under
  679         an expired annual report under certain circumstances;
  680         amending s. 744.3715, F.S.; providing that an
  681         interested party may petition the court regarding a
  682         guardian’s failure to comply with the duties of a
  683         guardian; amending s. 744.464, F.S.; establishing the
  684         burden of proof for determining restoration of
  685         capacity of a ward in pending guardianship cases;
  686         requiring a court to advance such cases on the
  687         calendar; providing applicability; providing an
  688         effective date.