guardianship; guardian obligations; wards' rights

SB 1516 modifies Arizona's guardianship laws to clarify and expand obligations for guardians of incapacitated adults. It requires guardians to actively seek alternatives to guardianship, encourage ward independence, and secure appropriate medical, educational, and vocational services (Section 14-5312). The bill also adds specific rules for inpatient mental health care, mandating court authorization with mental health expert opinions before consenting to hospitalization (Section 14-5312.01). Guardians who fail to meet these duties face court termination of guardianship and potential criminal contempt charges. This directly affects guardians, incapacitated adults (wards), and court systems managing these cases.