Roles and Responsibilities Flashcards

A ward's condition requires a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The ward's adult child objects strongly. What governs the guardian's decision?

Answer: The ward's previously expressed wishes and best interests, with court guidance if needed

End-of-life decisions must be guided by the ward's prior expressed wishes and best interests, not family objection; courts can resolve disputes if necessary.

Under the National Guardianship Association (NGA) Standards of Practice, how often should a guardian of the person maintain contact with the ward at minimum?

Answer: As frequently as necessary to fulfill the guardian's duties and monitor the ward's wellbeing

NGA Standards require guardians to maintain contact as needed to adequately monitor the ward's condition, which may mean frequent visits depending on the ward's circumstances.

A guardian suspects that a facility staff member is financially exploiting the ward. What is the guardian's immediate responsibility?

Answer: Report suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services and notify the court

Guardians are mandatory reporters who must immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to Adult Protective Services and inform the court.

When a guardian of property receives the ward's income, such as Social Security benefits, what fiduciary obligation applies to depositing those funds?

Answer: Funds must be deposited promptly into the ward's designated account

Timely deposit of the ward's income into properly titled accounts is a basic fiduciary obligation that prevents commingling and ensures accountability.

A guardian is asked by a ward's sibling for confidential medical information about the ward. The guardian should:

Answer: Obtain the ward's consent if possible, or assess whether sharing serves the ward's interest

Guardians must protect the ward's privacy rights, sharing information only with the ward's consent or when disclosure genuinely serves the ward's interests.

A professional guardian accepts a gift from a grateful family member of a ward. According to fiduciary and ethical standards, this is:

Answer: Generally prohibited as it creates an appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest

Accepting gifts from ward-related parties is generally prohibited under professional ethics because it can compromise the guardian's impartiality and create conflicts of interest.

Which action reflects the guardian's duty to encourage the ward's self-reliance and participation in decision-making?

Answer: Involving the ward in all decisions to the maximum extent of their capability

Guardians must foster the ward's autonomy by including them in decisions to the fullest extent their capacity allows, in keeping with the least restrictive alternative principle.