04-R 211

2004 -- S 2195 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 04/29/04

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, RETARDATION AND

HOSPITALS TO STUDY THE GUARDIANSHIP NEEDS OF GROUP HOME RESIDENT STATE WARDS

Introduced By: Senators Gibbs, Bates, Parella, Perry, and Roberts

Date Introduced: January 29, 2004

     WHEREAS, There is a significant number of Rhode Islanders who are state wards

residing in group homes administered through the department of mental health, retardation and

hospitals; and

     WHEREAS, There frequently are no family members or other qualified adults willing

and capable of serving as full or limited guardians for group home residents who lack the

necessary resources to pay for the services of a private guardian; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island does not presently have a system of public volunteer

guardianship or a formal, coordinated program for recruiting, training and supervising volunteer

guardians or surrogate decision makers for group home residents; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That the Rhode Island senate respectfully directs the department of mental

health, retardation and hospitals to study this issue and prepare a report with its findings and

recommendations for providing volunteer guardians and surrogate decision makers to group

home resident state wards. In preparing its report, the department shall seek the advice of the

public, including other state and private agencies that have a role in serving residents of state

homes. Further, the department shall consult with the department of elderly affairs concerning the

latter’s implementation of a volunteer guardianship program for frail elders. The department of

mental health, retardation and hospitals shall submit its report on the guardianship needs of

residents of group homes to the speaker of the house, the president of the senate and the chairman

of the committee on health and human services by January 15, 2005; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the secretary of state be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the director of the department of mental health,

retardation and hospitals.

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LC01145/SUB A

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