HB 3849

Abstract

Creates the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act. Authorizes the creation of supported decision-making agreements and allows a supporter to assist a principal with an intellectual or developmental disability in accessing, collecting, or obtaining information that is relevant to a decision authorized under the supported decision-making agreement. Provides that all adults are presumed to be capable of making decisions regarding daily living and to have capacity unless otherwise determined by a court. Provides that certain persons are disqualified from acting as a supporter. Provides that a supporter may exercise the authority granted to the supporter in the supported decision-making agreement. Provides for the duties of a supporter in a supported decision-making agreement. Prohibits a supporter from doing certain actions in relation to the principal. Requires 2 or more witnesses to be present and sign and date a supported decision-making agreement. Provides a form for a supported decision-making agreement. Provides that a person is not subject to criminal or civil liability and has not engaged in professional misconduct for an act or omission under certain circumstances. Provides that a decision or request made or communicated with the assistance of a supporter shall be recognized as the decision or request of the principal and may be enforced by the principal or supporter on the same basis as a decision or request of the principal. Provides that if a person who receives a copy or is aware of the existence of a supported decision-making agreement and has cause to believe that the principal is being abused, neglected, or exploited by the supporter, the person shall report the alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Provides that any interested party with a reasonable basis to believe that the supporter is abusing or neglecting the principal shall have the right to petition for the appointment of a limited temporary guardian and a guardian ad litem for the purpose of determining if the support decision-making agreement should be terminated. Provides for the termination of a supported decision-making agreement. Provides that a principal may revoke the supported decision-making agreement and invalidate the supported decision-making agreement at any time. Provides that a supporter may resign by giving notice to the principal. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 2 Deletes language providing that a person against whom there has been a finding of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the principal, a child, an elderly individual, or a person with a disability is disqualified from acting as a supporter. Instead disqualifies a person who is listed on the Health Care Worker Registry maintained by the Department of Public Health as ineligible to work. Deletes language providing that a person against whom the principal has obtained an order of protection is disqualified from acting as a supporter. Instead disqualifies an individual who is the subject of a civil or criminal order prohibiting contact with the principal. Deletes language providing that any interested party with a reasonable basis to believe that the supporter is abusing or neglecting the principal shall have the right to petition for the appointment of a limited temporary guardian and a guardian ad litem for the purpose of determining if the support decision-making agreement should be terminated. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Allows a supporter in a supported decision-making agreement to ascertain the wishes and decisions of the principal in order to advocate that the wishes and decisions of an individual with disabilities are implemented (rather than "ascertain the wishes and decisions of the principal, assist in communicating those wishes and decisions to other persons, and advocate to ensure that the wishes and decisions of the principal are implemented"). Requires the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission to develop training and education materials for both principals and supporters. Provides that the Act is effective 6 months after becoming law (rather than immediately).