72-5-101. Definitions. Unless otherwise apparent from the context, in chapters 1 through 5 and chapter 16, part 6, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Incapacitated person" means any person who is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause, except minority, to the extent that the person lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning the person or which cause has so impaired the person's judgment that the person is incapable of realizing and making a rational decision with respect to the person's need for treatment.

(2) "Protected person" means a minor or other person for whom a conservator has been appointed or other protective order has been made.

(3) "Protective proceeding" means a proceeding under the provisions of 72-5-409 to determine that a person cannot effectively manage or apply the person's estate to necessary ends, either because the person lacks the ability or is otherwise inconvenienced or because the person is a minor, and to secure administration of the person's estate by a conservator or other appropriate relief.

(4) "Substituted judgment" means the judgment that an incapacitated person would make if restored to capacity based upon:

(a) the person's present preference or, if the person is incapable of indicating the person's preference, the person's prior expressed preference;

(b) the person's personal, moral, and religious convictions;

(c) the person's relationship with family members;

(d) the consequences if the action proposed is not taken;

(e) the consequences if the action proposed is taken; and

(f) other relevant factors.

(5) "Ward" means a person for whom a guardian has been appointed. A "minor ward" is a minor for whom a guardian has been appointed solely because of minority.

History: En. 91A-5-101 by Sec. 1, Ch. 365, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 514, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 91A-5-101; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 382, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 2396, Ch. 56, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 237, L. 2009.