(A) The probate court of Franklin county may accept funds or other program assistance from, or charge fees for services described in division (B) of this section rendered to, individuals, corporations, agencies, or organizations, including, but not limited to, the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services of Franklin county or the Franklin county board of developmental disabilities. Any funds or fees received by the probate court of Franklin county under this division shall be paid into the treasury of Franklin county and credited to a fund to be known as the Franklin county probate court mental health fund.

(B) The moneys in the Franklin county probate court mental health fund shall be used for services to help ensure the treatment of any person who is under the care of the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services of Franklin county, the Franklin county board of developmental disabilities, or any other guardianships. These services include, but are not limited to, involuntary commitment proceedings and the establishment and management of adult guardianships, including all associated expenses, for wards who are under the care of the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services of Franklin county, the Franklin county board of developmental disabilities, or any other guardianships.

(C) If the judge of the probate court of Franklin county determines that some of the moneys in the Franklin county probate court mental health fund are needed for the efficient operation of that court, the moneys may be used for the acquisition of equipment, the hiring and training of staff, community services programs, volunteer guardianship training services, the employment of magistrates, and other related services.

(D) The moneys in the Franklin county probate court mental health fund that may be used in part for the establishment and management of adult guardianships under division (B) of this section may be utilized to establish a Franklin county guardianship service.

(E)

(1) A Franklin county guardianship service under division (D) of this section is established by creating a Franklin county guardianship service board comprised of three members. The judge of the probate court of Franklin county shall appoint one member. The board of directors of the Franklin county board of developmental disabilities shall appoint one member. The board of directors of the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services of Franklin county shall appoint one member. The term of appointment of each member is four years.

(2) The Franklin county guardianship service board may appoint a director of the board. The board shall determine the compensation of the director based on the availability of funds contained in the Franklin county probate court mental health fund.

(3) The Franklin county guardianship service board may receive appointments from the probate court of Franklin county to serve as guardians of both the person and estate of wards. The director or any designee of the Franklin county guardianship service board may act on behalf of the board in relation to all guardianship matters.

(4) The director of the Franklin county guardianship service board may hire employees subject to available funds in the Franklin county probate court mental health fund.

(5) The Franklin county guardianship service board may charge a reasonable fee for services provided to wards. The probate judge shall approve any fees charged by the board under division (E) (5) of this section.

(6) The Franklin county guardianship service board that is created under division (E)(1) of this section shall promulgate all rules and regulations necessary for the efficient operation of the board and the Franklin county guardianship service.

Amended by 131st General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 432, §1, eff. 4/6/2017.

Amended by 130th General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 483, §101.01, eff. 9/15/2014.

Added by 130th General Assembly File No. 25, HB 59, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2013.