Title
HEARING - Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 004-2026, implementing an updated Public Guardian Fee Schedule (Exhibit A) for fiduciary and case management services, effective on March 7, 2026, and authorizing the Public Guardian’s Office (Public Guardian) with approval by County Counsel, to reduce or waive Public Guardian fees, either as negotiated with the Public Defender or as ordered by the court, thereby replacing Board adopted Resolution 142-2017.
FUNDING: 2% Medi-Cal Administrative Activities, 3% Fee for Service and 95% County General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Public Guardian provides fiduciary and case management services for individuals who are under conservatorship or guardianship who are gravely disabled, cognitively impaired, or otherwise unable to manage their personal or financial affairs. Public Guardian provides these services when there is no one else legally qualified or willing to act on their behalf. Services include managing estates, coordinating medical and social services, and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents.
The Public Guardian Program is a mandated County service, authorized under California Government Code Sections 27431 and 27431, California Probate Code Section 2920, and California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Sections 5352 and 5354.5. Additionally, California Rules of Court, Rule 7.756, establishes standards for determining just and reasonable compensation for conservators and guardians, ensuring that fees are fair and reflect the scope of services provided.
On September 12, 2017, the Board approved the current Public Guardian Fee Schedule which implemented an hourly billing model through Resolution 142-2017, which has been in effect since November 11, 2017 (Legistar file 16-0805, V. 3). In 2024, HHSA Community Services commissioned MGT Consulting (MGT) to conduct a fee study for County Senior Day Care sit...
Click here for full text