WHEREAS, Currently, professional guardians who are appointed
for incapacitated individuals who receive a long-term care grant
from the medical assistance program are paid at a monthly rate
of $100; and
WHEREAS, The balance of the income of the recipient of the
long-term care grant, after any other deductions and the
personal care allowance, is paid to the nursing home where the
recipient resides; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, the monthly rate of $100 has not been
increased in more than 20 years, despite the evolving and
challenging tasks guardians must undertake in addition to a
shortage of capable individuals willing to take on guardianship
roles; and
WHEREAS, A guardian's tasks include responding promptly to
all medical issues, including changes of medication,
authorization for hospitalization, surgery or other medical
procedures; and
WHEREAS, Guardians must discuss proposed medical procedures
and care with health care professionals and make informed
decisions on behalf of the incapacitated individual in addition
to updating the court on the health of the incapacitated
individual; and
WHEREAS, Guardians must facilitate visits by family members
with the incapacitated individual and mediate disputes among
family members of the incapacitated individual; and
WHEREAS, Guardians manage an incapacitated individual's
finances and assess need, apply, facilitate and monitor
community-based services, transportation, shopping, affordable
housing, medical care, in-home aides and day programs; and
WHEREAS, There is an increasing number of guardianships in
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