Rhode Island House Bill H6067

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/3/23
• Report Pass: 5/23/23
• Engrossed: 6/1/23
• Refer: 6/5/23

Caption

Limited Guardianship And Guardianship Of Adults

Impact

The bill's passage will primarily affect statutes related to adult protective services and guardianship procedures. By providing for less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, such as supportive decision-making, it aims to empower adults who may lack certain decision-making abilities while still preserving their right to control aspects of their lives. This change is significant in promoting the independence of individuals who can navigate decision-making with appropriate assistance.

Summary

House Bill H6067 pertains to the Limited Guardianship and Guardianship of Adults within Rhode Island's probate law. This bill amends existing legislation to include supportive decision-making as one of the alternatives to guardianship. The inclusion of this provision reflects a growing trend towards recognizing the rights of individuals to retain decision-making capacity as long as it is practical. Supportive decision-making allows individuals to receive assistance in making choices without fully relinquishing their autonomy to a guardian.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding H6067 is the balance between protecting vulnerable adults and respecting their autonomy. Proponents assert that this bill aligns with modern standards of care that favor individual rights and dignity. Critics, however, may raise concerns over whether supportive decision-making adequately protects those who cannot fully advocate for themselves, thus questioning the robustness of existing safeguards under the new framework.