§ 35A-1375. Determination of incapacity or debilitation.
§35A‑1375. Determination of incapacity or debilitation.
(a) If requested by thepetitioner, designator, or standby guardian, an attending physician shall makea determination regarding the incapacity or debilitation of the petitioner ordesignator for purposes of this Article.
(b) A determination ofincapacity or debilitation shall:
(1) Be made by theattending physician to a reasonable degree of medical certainty;
(2) Be in writing; and
(3) Contain theattending physician's opinion regarding the cause and nature of the incapacityor debilitation, as well as its extent and probable duration.
(c) The attendingphysician shall provide a copy of the determination of incapacity ordebilitation to the standby guardian, if the standby guardian's identity isknown to the physician.
(d) The standbyguardian shall ensure that the petitioner or designator is informed of thecommencement of the standby guardian's authority as a result of a determinationof incapacity or debilitation and of the possibility of a future suspension ofthe standby guardian's authority pursuant to G.S. 35A‑1376. (1995,c. 313, s. 1.)