Senate Bill 12 added the following provision regarding guardian advocates under the Marchman Act:

Select one:

a. A qualified professional may petition the court for the appointment of a guardian advocate for an individual they believe to be incompetent to consent to treatment.

b. A professional already providing clinical services to the individual may serve as the guardian advocate as long as the professional signs a deposition.

c. When an individual transfers from involuntary to voluntary status, that individual may choose to retain their guardian advocate until discharge from the facility.

d. If the individual does not have a health care surrogate already identified, it will be the responsibility of the court to determine the most appropriate guardian advocate.