CPG Record Keeping 3

Question 1

A guardian must document a decision to decline an inheritance on behalf of the ward. Which record is most critical to create?

Accepted Answer

A written memorandum in the case file explaining the legal and financial rationale, filed with the court

Answer

A notation in the guardian's personal diary

Answer

An oral explanation to family members

Answer

A letter to the estate's executor only

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of commingling funds?

Accepted Answer

Using the guardian's personal account temporarily to pay a ward's emergency medical bill without reimbursement tracking

Answer

Depositing the ward's Social Security check into the ward's dedicated account

Answer

Investing the ward's assets in a mutual fund

Answer

Opening a separate savings account for the ward's long-term care fund

Question 3

When a ward receives in-kind support (e.g., donated food or clothing), the guardian should:

Accepted Answer

Document the item, its estimated fair market value, and the source in the ward's records

Answer

Ignore it since it has no cash value

Answer

Record it only if valued over $500

Answer

Report it as income on the court accounting

Question 4

A professional guardian must keep records for multiple wards. Which practice best prevents cross-contamination of records?

Accepted Answer

Maintain separate, individually labeled physical or digital files for each ward with unique identifiers

Answer

Store all ward files in a single shared folder organized by date

Answer

Use a color-coding system only without unique case numbers

Answer

Combine records for family members under the same guardian

Question 5

When is a guardian required to provide an interim accounting outside of the regular annual cycle?

Accepted Answer

When the court orders one, when there is a change of guardian, or upon petition by an interested party

Answer

Whenever the guardian personally requests one

Answer

Only at the ward's death

Answer

Every six months regardless of circumstances

Question 6

A ward's personal care log should typically NOT include:

Accepted Answer

The guardian's personal opinions about the ward's family members

Answer

Medical appointments attended

Answer

Names of healthcare providers consulted

Answer

Activities of daily living assistance provided

Question 7

Under most state guardianship laws, a ward's confidential records may be shared with:

Accepted Answer

Court-appointed visitors, auditors, and persons specifically authorized by court order

Answer

Any member of the public upon request

Answer

The media if a case becomes newsworthy

Answer

The ward's employer without restriction