Provides that supported decision-making pursuant to chapter 66.13 of title 42 be added to the Limited Guardianship and Guardianship of Adults forms section as one of the less restrictive alternatives to guardianship that have been explored.
The passage of S2112 is expected to enhance the rights of individuals with diminished capacity, offering them more options than simply appointing a guardian. By formally recognizing supported decision-making in legal processes, the bill encourages assessments that focus on the individual's capability to make certain decisions with assistance, rather than sidelining those individuals entirely. This change could lead to more tailored and respectful approaches in guardianship proceedings, potentially preserving individual freedoms while still providing necessary care.
Bill S2112, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, seeks to amend the Limited Guardianship and Guardianship of Adults framework by incorporating supported decision-making as a recognized alternative. This addition aims to ensure that individuals lacking decision-making capabilities can still have some form of autonomy by exploring less restrictive options before full guardianship is deemed necessary. The bill aims to modernize guardianship laws and align them with contemporary understandings of autonomy and decision-making support.
Despite its positive intentions, the bill may encounter opposition from some stakeholders who argue that the implementation of supported decision-making could complicate judicial processes or lead to potential abuse or misinterpretation in cases where individuals truly cannot make informed decisions. Further discussions may arise on how to effectively balance individual autonomy with the need for protective measures, prompting a thorough examination of the criteria and processes involved in assessing decision-making capacity and the applicability of supported decision-making alternatives.