HB 22-1271

House Bill 22-1271, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to protect the rights of individuals who are under a legal guardianship. It requires that guardians inform close family members or designated people within seven days if there is any significant change affecting the protected person, such as moving to a new residence, being admitted to a hospital for care, or passing away. Additionally, it mandates that guardians work with the protected person and their family to create an annual care plan detailing how the guardian will manage the person's needs and finances. This law ensures better communication and transparency in legal guardianship situations, affecting both the protected individuals and their families.

Official Summary

The bill establishes certain rights for a person who is protected through a legal guardianship relationship (protected person) and duties of a guardian or conservator (guardian). With certain exceptions, a guardian shall notify within 7 days one or more of the protected person's close family members and any person designated by the protected person when the protected person: Changes place of residence; Resides at a location other than the protected person's residence for more than 48 hours; Is admitted to a medical facility for acute care or emergency care; or Dies. The guardian, in conjunction with the protected person and any close family members, shall develop an initial care plan, to be updated annually. The care plan must include why the guardianship is necessary, any necessary restrictions placed on visitation or access to reporting, how the protected person's finances will be handled, and how the protected person and close family members can obtain answers to questions that arise. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)