(a)  The court shall not appoint as limited guardian or guardian any agency, public or private, or representative thereof, which financially benefits from providing housing, medical, or social services to the individual found to be incapacitated.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 33-15-6

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.

(b)  Before appointing an individual or agency as limited guardian or guardian, the court shall find that the individual or agency:

(1)  Has no criminal background which bears on suitability to serve as guardian;

(2)  Has the capacity to manage the financial resources involved;

(3)  Has the ability to meet the unique needs of the individual case; and

(4)  Has the ability to meet the requirements of the law.

(c)  Individuals or agencies eligible for consideration as limited guardian or guardian include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)  Relatives or friends of the individual found to be incapacitated;

(2)  Banks, trust companies and other financial institutions;

(3)  Nonprofit corporations organized for charitable or religious purposes (including those organized specifically to act as limited guardian or guardian) and existing under the laws of this state.

(d)  The court may appoint an out of state resident as limited guardian or guardian if the court finds that the individual meets the requirements of this section.

(e)  In appointing a guardian, the court shall consider the wishes expressed by the individual found to be incapacitated as to preferences among individuals eligible to serve as limited guardian or guardian who meet the requirements of this section.

History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 493, § 4.