enewsletter - guardian association of pinellas county...house bill cs/hb 403 sponsored by...
TRANSCRIPT
GuardianJANUARY 2016
A publication by the Guardian Association of Pinellas County for the purpose of promoting advocacy & education.
GuardianSPEAKER INFO
Sherrie E. Seiter, RN, presently withHealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital ofLargo, does sales and patient evaluationsand is responsible for increased patientreferrals and increased admits in a businessdevelopment specialist capacity where shecalls upon doctors, surgeons, directors,
social workers and patients. In addition Sherrie is in charge of new hiretraining and development and delivers and writes CEU education.
The breadth of territory she has covered in previous positions extend-ed from Pinellas/Hillsborough to Central Florida where she called onCEO's, CFO's, CNO's, Materials Management, OR Nurse Managers,and WOCN.
She was at one time a Clinical Consultant at Acute where she grewVAC therapy at 110% of plan, grew bariatric beds in excess of 150%of plan, converted two hospitals to KCI as preferred bed vendor, pilot-ed new CEU programs and presented over 300 training in-service pro-grams.
Among her varied positions gathering extensive experience in themedical arena, she worked as a Critical Care Nurse at Largo MedicalCenter from January 1998 to July 2001.
Sherrie attended St. Petersburg College, receiving an Associate ofScience, Nursing, and took classes leading to a Baccalaureate NursingProgram.
She will be speaking about patient access to the Inpatient RehabFacility setting including review of the requirements/admissions crite-ria for the IRF setting; summarizing the distinction between the IRFand Skilled Nursing Facility setting; dispelling common concerns andhighlighting benefits regarding IRF; and outlining the IRF referralprocess. Sherrie welcomes questions from the attendees.
eNewsletter
TheProfessional
Sherrie Seiter, R.N.
ACUTE INPATIENT REHAB
FACILITY VERSUS SKILLED
NURSING FACILITY
Calendar & Coming
EventsJANUARY 19, 3:30 P.M.
GAPC BOARD MEETINGPalms of Largo - REGAL PALMS Bldg.
VERANDAH ROOM
JANUARY 19, 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
“Acute Rehab vs. Skilled Nursing Facility”
SHERRIE E. SEITER, R.N.HEALTHSOUTH REHAB OF LARGO
1 CEU available
Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.,
Palms of Largo - CYPRESS PALMS Bldg.400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo
RSVP to Association Website:www.GuardianAssociation.org
JANUARY 27, 9:00 A.M.
GAPC NETWORKING BREAKFAST
THE FOUNTAINS OF BOCA CIEGA BAY
1255 Pasadena Ave. S., St. Pete 33707
RSVP to Association Websitewww.GuardianAssociation.org
OCASSOCIATION COMMUNICATIONS
P.O. Box 1826Pinellas Park, FL 337801-954-866-GAPC (4272)
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FOLLOW US ONSOCIAL MEDIA
Guardians and Healthcare professionals can exchange ideas, ask questions, seek solutions,
build a network, and receive helpful info/updatesthrough social messaging.
JANUARY NETWORKINGBREAKFAST
SENIOR AGING DILEMMAS:STRATEGIES TO LIVE A HEALTHIER
HAPPIER AND LONGER LIFE.
David Bernstein, MD is a highlyrespected physician who is boardcertified in both Internal Medicine and Geriatrics practic-ing in Clearwater, Florida. His 30+ years of experiencehave provided him with opportunities to observe andempathize with thousands of adults as they age. His com-passion and ability to see the souls of his patients hascompelled him to share his stories in his first book “I’veGot Some Good News and Some Bad News: You’reOld”.
He is a graduate of Albany Medical College and is anAssociate Clinical Professor in the Department ofMedicine at the University Of South Florida College OfMedicine.
Dr Bernstein enjoys helping families face the complexproblems as they near the end of life. Senior Driving isjust one of those dilemmas that requires careful, thoughtfulconsideration, as this is a complex family challenge.
Be sure to join us at The Fountains of Boca Ciega Bay,1255 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Petersburg, 33707.This is a great networking opportunity, useful information,great company and always a delicious breakfast!
ASSOCIATION INFO
David Bernstein, M.D.
Newsletter Editor & Breakfast Facilities Coordinator
Phyllis Johnson596-8919 or [email protected]
ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATIONSP.O. Box 1826
Pinellas Park, FL 337801-954-866-GAPC (4272)
The 2016 Board of DirectorsOfficers and Board Members
as well as available Committeeswill appear in the
February 2016 eNewsletter.
GAPC members who want to influence the direction of
the Association can have theirsay by becoming a member of
our Board of Directors.
The position requires you to have been
a member in good standing since October 2014,
run from 2016 -2018, attend monthly Board
Meetings, and participate in regular monthly meetings
whenever possible.
The installation of new Board members will be conducted atJanuary 19th General Meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Guardian Associationof Pinellas County
encourages all membersand/or vendors to utilizePayPal for all transactions
with the GAPC.
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FROM THE DESK OFTHE PRESIDENT
LynnMarie Boltze
THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENT...The Board had a very busy 2015. There were a few minor changes in the bylaws and we also did a little rebranding.
By now everyone has seen our new logo and the additions to our website. Pertinent information will be comingto you via our monthly eNewsletter or website.
We ask at this time that you log into the GAPC website and verify that we have your current company name,email and phone number on file. Technology makes it much easier to stay up-to-date and having an accurate database is vital. So please take a moment now and verify that we have your complete and correct information .
The Board met for a planning meeting in December of 2015 and members exchanged many great ideas andsuggestions on how to make the Association stronger. We ask you to stay tuned to the monthly eNewsletter sothat you will be aware of the next minor tweaks, changes and suggestions for our bylaws.
We are still looking for new Board Members, more specifically Professional Guardians are needed on the Board,as well as vendor positions. At this time we are in need of four more BOD members.
The BOD has also decided to change the location for our next Guardian Annual Conference and we are workingwith Lanona Robinson to have the next Conference at the St Petersburg College Epicenter, 13805 58th StreetNorth, Clearwater. The date will be Friday, October 14, 2016.
A Call for Presentations will go out soon in the eNewsletter for the 2016 Conference.
Regarding the monthly CEU meetings held on the third Tuesday of every month, there will be NO changes ontime or location. I do ask, as your President, for any suggestions regarding speakers for the CEU meetings and/orthe breakfast meetings held the last Friday of every month at varying locations. You can get up-to-date onlocations for the breakfast meeting via the monthly eNewsletters and our website.
We welcome your help in providing pertinent, informative content for the eNewsletter. Those wishing tocontribute an article for consideration can send their news items and/or article to Phyllis Johnson, eNewslettereditor at [email protected]. We are also always looking for qualified speakers for our two monthlymeetings. Should you have a suggestion for a speaker, please feel free to contact me at my email address above.
As most of you know back in October a mass was found in my lung. I was blessed to find out Christmas Evethat everything was benign, no cancer. It was a pretty big surgery and I'm still not running at 100%. I set the barat a high expectation for myself and I'm very frustrated not to be ahead of schedule. The doctors at Moffitt wereamazing, and I could not be happier with the great news and outcome. I lost 2 inches of my lower left lung andquite a bit of my left diaphragm, I would do it all over again just to hear the words no cancer. I would personallylike to thank each and every one of you for your love, support and most especiallyyour prayers. I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful community of healthcare professionals in Pinellas County.
The BOD and I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous 2016!
Warm regards, your president,
LYNNMARIE
CONTACT INFO:
Cell: 813.625.8734 Fax: [email protected]
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The Executive Office of FSGA is sharing with FSGA Members in Pasco and Pinellas
counties, the following memorandum from Chief Judge, Anthony Rondolino’s office.
December 29, 2015MEMORANDUM
TO: All persons who wish to be considered for appointment as Guardianship Examining Committee or Developmental Disabilities Examining Committee Members in Pasco and Pinellas Counties.
FROM: Anthony Rondolino, Chief Judge
SUBJECT: Solicitation for Guardianship Examining Committee MembersSolicitation for Developmental Disabilities Examining Committee Members
The Court is seeking persons to serve as court appointed Members of the Guardianship Examining Committee andDevelopmental Disabilities Examining Committee in Pasco and Pinellas Counties.
Current GEC-DDEC Members must re-apply. Selection of Committee Members will be based on a completedapplication, vendor background check form, and resume. Not all applicants may be selected to serve. The numberselected will be based upon the needs of the Court.
All applications and documentation must be submitted electronically to the Office of Court Counsel [email protected] no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 5, 2016.
Persons interested in being considered for appointment must electronically submit:
• Completed GEC-DDEC Member Application & Vendor Background Check Authorization Form (combinedforms);
• Resume (which should address your experience and qualifications to provide services as a GEC-DDECMember); and
• Any other relevant information relating to your qualifications to serve as a GEC-DDEC Member.
The GEC-DDEC Member Application & Vendor Background Check Authorization Form can be found on theCourt’s website at http://www.jud6.org/LegalCommunity/CourtContractedServices.html.Information on qualifications, requirements for service, and compensation may also be found on the website in the Sixth Judicial Circuit GEC-DDEC Member Information Sheet.
Please electronically submit all of the above documentation to [email protected]. If you do not have theability to submit your paperwork by email, please notify the Office of Court Counsel before mailing it to CourtCounsel’s Office, 501 1st Avenue North, Suite 1000, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. All applications and documentationmust be received by the Office of Court Counsel no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 5, 2016. All questionsmay be directed to the Office of Court Counsel at the aforementioned email address.
Our mailing address is:Florida State Guardianship Association400 Executive Center Drive, Suite 208West Palm Beach, FL 334011-800-718-0207eFax: 877-896-0464www.floridaguardians.com
GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE PROPOSED
IN GUARDIANSHIP LEGISLATION
SUBMITTED BY IRENE RAUSCH, MASTER GUARDIAN
Irene Rausch
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The Florida legislature is scheduled to conveneon January 12, 2016 and there are two bills thatwill greatly affect how guardians are monitored andregulated; CS/CS/SB232 sponsored by SenatorNancy Detert, R, District 28, and the companionhouse bill CS/HB 403 sponsored by RepresentativeLarry Ahern, R, District 66, are both going throughthe committees and many believe that there will besubstantive guardianship legislation passed in the2016 legislative session that will include most of theprovisions outlined in these bills. The Florida StateGuardianship Association (FSGA) has endorsedthe bills and a special FSGA committee has beenestablished that is drafting Standards of Practice thatwill be offered for consideration as a key factor indetermining if a guardian is acting professionally andin the best interest of his or her wards. Outlinedbelow is the proposed wording to a new section,744.20041, that specifies what constitutes groundsfor disciplinary actions.
(a) Making misleading, deceptive, or fraudulentrepresentations in or related to the practice ofguardianship.
(b) Violating any rule governing guardians orguardianships adopted by the Office of Public andProfessional Guardians.
(c) Being convicted or found guilty of, or enteringa plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless ofadjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction whichrelates to the practice of or the ability to practice as aprofessional guardian.
(d) Failing to comply with the educational courserequirements contained in s. 744.2003.
(e) Having a registration, a license, or the authorityto practice a regulated profession revoked, suspended,or otherwise acted against, including the denial ofregistration or licensure, by the registering or licensingauthority of any jurisdiction, including its agenciesor subdivisions, for a violation under Florida law.
The registering or licensingauthority’s acceptanceof a relinquishment ofregistration or licensure,stipulation, consent order,or other settlementoffered in response to or inanticipation of the filingof charges against theregistration or license shallbe construed as an actionagainst the registration orlicense.
(f ) Knowingly filing a false report or complaintwith the Office of Public and Professional Guardiansagainst another guardian.
(g) Attempting to obtain, obtaining, or renewinga registration or license to practice a profession bybribery, by fraudulent misrepresentation, or as aresult of an error by the Office of Public andProfessional Guardians which is known and notdisclosed to the Office of Public and ProfessionalGuardians.
(h) Failing to report to the Office of Publicand Professional Guardians any person who theprofessional guardian knows is in violation of thischapter or the rules of the Office of Public andProfessional Guardians.
(i) Failing to perform any statutory or legalobligation placed upon a professional guardian.
(j) Making or filing a report or record that theprofessional guardian knows to be false, intentionallyor negligently failing to file a report or recordrequired by state or federal law, or willfully impedingor obstructing another person’s attempt to do so.Such reports or records shall include only those thatare signed in the guardian’s capacity as a professionalguardian.
continued on page 6
(k) Using the position of guardian for the purposeof financial gain by a professional guardian or athird party, other than the funds awarded to theprofessional guardian by the court pursuant tos.744.108.
(l) Violating a lawful order of the Office of Publicand Professional Guardians or failing to comply witha lawfully issued subpoena of the Office of Public andProfessional Guardians.
(m) Improperly interfering with an investigation orinspection authorized by statute or rule or with anydisciplinary proceeding.
(n) Using the guardian relationship to engage orattempt to engage the ward, or an immediate familymember or a representative of the ward, in verbal,written, electronic, or physical sexual activity.
(o) Failing to report to the Office of Public andProfessional Guardians in writing within 30 daysafter being convicted or found guilty of, or entered aplea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication,a crime in any jurisdiction.
(p) Being unable to perform the functions of aprofessional guardian with reasonable skill by reason ofillness or use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals,or any other type of substance or as a result of anymental or physical condition.
(q) Failing to post and maintain a blanket fiduciarybond pursuant to s. 744.1085.
(r) Failing to maintain all records pertaining to aguardianship for a reasonable time after the court hasclosed the guardianship matter.
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GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE ... (CONTINUED)
The Palms of Largo is an Independent, Assisted & Memory Care Campus!
The Guardianship Association of Pinellas County, Inc. does not endorse or recommend any products or services. The views and opinions expressed in articles published in the e-Newsletter
do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Association or its members.
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FULL SERVICE - FULL TIME REALTOR
CARING & EXPERIENCED
(727) 431-2121
Can You Help?January has been designated at NationalBlood Donor Month to encourage donorsto give or pledge to give blood. Blood istraditionally in short supply during thewinter months, especially in January, dueto the holidays, travel schedules,inclement weather, and illness. A reductionin turnout can put our nation’s bloodinventory at a critical low.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S.needs blood.More than 41,000 blood donations areneeded every day.The blood type most often requested byhospitals is Type O.The blood used in an emergency isalready on the shelves before the eventoccurs.A single car accident victim can requireas many as 100 pints of blood.
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The following useful chart of Guardianship due dates comes courtesy of theOffice of Karen Rushing, Sarasota’s Clerk of the Circuit Court. Although pro-vided to Sarasota County Guardianship attorneys, this information is applicablethrougout Florida. Below is an excerpt of Ms. Rushing’s letter and their chart.
“ As of July 1, 2015 per the revision of Florida Statute 744.367 (1) the due dateof all guardianship annual plans has been moved forward significantly. The Clerkof Court has adjusted our case management system to reflect the revised due dateof all guardianship cases requiring plans according to the revision of the statutenoted as follows:
744.367 Duty to file annual guardianship report—1(1) Unless the court requires filing on a calendar-year basis, each guardian of the personshall file with the court an annual guardianship plan at least 60 days, but no more than 90days, before the last day of the anniversary month that the letters of guardianship were signed,and the plan must cover the coming fiscal year, ending on the last day in such anniversarymonth.
The Circuit Court of Sarasota County, Florida, Probate and Guardianship Division requires the filing ofannual plans based on the date of the letters unless a court order has been entered allowing calendar year filing.”
ANNUAL GUARDIANSHIP REPORT:REVISED DUE DATE CHART
SUBMITTED BY RUSSELL WINER, ESQ.
Russell Winer, Esq.
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updated 11/23/15
❖ Mark your 2016 calendar for a newmonthly networking breakfast the firstWednesday at Allegro, 4600 54thAvenue South, St. Petersburg. Time is9:00 a.m. RSVP (727 864-5072).
Also new at Allegro is John Leinbach whose back-ground in banking and restaurant management he feelscome into play very nicely in his new capacity as SeniorLiving Advisor.
❖ Belleair Besties meeting the first Wednesday ofeach month at 4:00 p.m. Their new meeting location isGreektown Grill. 1230 Clevland St., Clearwate. RSVPAdriane Evert at (727) 288-6825.
❖ Pinellas County Marketing Mania meets the firstThursday of each month at Seasons Largo, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Mix and mingle with fellow healthcareprofessionals at 4175 East Bay Drive, Largo 33764.RSVP (727) 330-7898.
❖ Master Guardian Irene Rausch will be offeringnew classes January 9th, January 16th, January 23rdand January 30th. Details and registration forms canbe found on her website at www.guardiantraining.com.
❖ An ALF 12-Hour (continuing education) ReviewCourse is available at St. Petersburg College/MidtownCampus, January 12th and 13th. $99 cost. For moredetails or to register, click here or call (727) 341-3393.
❖ Join Seasons Belleair January 12th for TacoTuesday 4:30 - 6:30p.m. Complimentary tacos andmargaritas. 1145 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Belleair 33756.RSVP (727) 692-6976.
❖ Attend the Motivational Marketing breakfast atGrand Villa Largo on Wednesday, January 13th at9:30 a.m. and enjoy an omelet tailored to each attendeeby dining staff and a speaker to elevate your day.
❖ Wine Down Wednesday, January 13th, 4:30 -6:30 p.m. at Seasons Belleair, 1145 Ponce de LeonBlvd, Belleair 33756. RSVP (727) 692-6976.
❖ Dementia Care Specialist, Teepa Snow will returnto our area Wednesday, January 13th at 1:00 - 4:00p.m. at Palms of Largo, Cypress Palms, 400 LakeAvenue, N.E., Largo 33771. Limited seating so [email protected] or call (727) 210-1414.
❖ “Thank Goodness the Holidays are Over Party”is the theme of a January 13th event at The Oaksof Clearwater, 420 Bay Avenue, Clearwater. Time is4:30 - 6:00 p.m. RSVP by texting (727) 420-2013 withnames (qty) and company or call (727) 445-4069.
❖ Referral Network Group (RNG) will meetJanuary 14th, 10:00 a.m. at Princeton Village.Speaker Sandra Narron will discuss 2016 CommunityPrograms. RSVP to Cintia at (727) 215-8904.
❖ Sunrise Schmooze meets Friday, January 15th,8:30 - 10:00 a.m. at Regal Palms Ice Cream Parlor, 300Lake Avenue NE, Largo 33771. Dr. John Young isguest speaker. $5 entry fee benefits Alzheimer’sAssociation. RSVP Adriane at (727) 288-6825.
❖ Pancake Breakfast and Open House, Grand Villaof Largo,750 Starkey Rd., Largo, Saturday, January16th, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Meet new Executive Director,Tom Howard and Resident Care Director, DenniseKuehne. RSVP (727) 219-1374 by 1/15.
❖ Be scam smart. Don’t be fooled by crooks. Learnhow to protect yourself and others by attending aJanuary 19th seminar hosted by USAmeriBanklocated at 2571 Countryside Blvd., Clearwater 33761.Time is 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The event features severalwell known names including Lee Carr, elder law attorney;Tina Costa of Arcadia Home Care & Staffing; LorySmeltzer of Advanced Senior Solutions. Limited seatingso RSVP (727) 450-5720.
❖ Pacifica is hosring their 1st Annual Wine DownAfter the Holidays Party, Wednesday, January 20th,4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at 620 Belleair Road, Clearwater,33756. Please RSVP (727) 467-9464 by January 18th.
❖ Dr. John Young will be among the speakers at the2nd Annual Health Foundation Seminar on Saturday,January 23rd, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Holiday InnClearwater, 3535 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater 33672.Limited seating available. Tickets are $10 each and areavailable by calling 800-753-9907.
❖ Westminster Shores networking breakfast thismonth is Thursday, January 29 at 9 a.m. at 12556th Avenue South, St. Petersburg. RSVP Heather at(727) 867-2131.
Send your monthly events to eNewsletter editor [email protected] or call (727) 596-8919.
9This ‘n That
ADVERTISEIn The Professional Guardian NewsletterAdvertising RatesFull page, 1 month, Sponsoring $250.001/2 page $130.00*
1/4 page $ 80.00*
1/8 page business card $ 50.00*
* Per month with 3 month minimumSend camera ready color ads and payment, as well as editorial copy to:
Phyllis JohnsonOne Windrush Blvd., #55Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785email: [email protected]: (727) 596-8919
Deadline for ads with payment is the 25th of each month. Same deadline for editorial copy. A complimentary copy of each issue is sent to our advertisers.
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Be more aware
Be more involved
Be more inspired
Be more considerate of others
Be more kindhearted
Be more courteous
Be more respectful
Be more concerned
Be more knowledgeable
Don't worry, be happy!
Resolutions for
2016
What is Local Florida Raw Honey. Localmeans that the honey comes from this area ofFlorida in which we live and which the foliage isthe same. Raw means that the honey in the jaris as it was in the hive. We do nothing to thehoney to remove the good things that the beeshave brought to the honey. A large number ofpeople purchase our Annual Honey for AllergyRelief.
How does honey work for the treatment ofAllegis. Simply the bees pollinate from thefoliage from which you are allergic (amongother allergens). By taking two teaspoon ofhoney a day for thirty days you are ingestingsmall amounts of that which you are allergic.This allows your immune system to develop, sothe allergens will no long affect you. And onceyou become immune you no longer have thesymptoms of allergies ever again. We onlyrecommend our “Annual Honey” so that all fourseasons are included. In fact, your allergies will
have disappeared for as long as you live inWest Central Florida.
Other Local Florida Raw Honeys are what werefer to as Seasonal Honeys – Spring,Summer, Fall and Winter. These honeys arepollinated by the bees on foliage which is inbloom during that season. The honeys range incolor from amber as in Spring to Winter the verydark honey. The difference is not only the honeyscolor but the subtle taste difference makeshoney shopping an exciting experience.
Submitted by Charles and Ginger from Local Florida Raw Honey and members of Urban Farmers Group
11One of the Most Amazing Properties
of Local Raw Honey
REAL PROPERTY AND GUARDIANSHIP LAW:WHAT TO DO WHEN REAL PROPERTY IS AN ASSET IN YOUR INVENTORY
Submitted by Jaclyn Palazzolo, Esq., Gilbert Garcia Group, P.A.
Homes, condominiums,townhouses, real propertytends to be our largestassets. We invest in a homeand hope that as we age thehome grows in value so thatwhen we are older we haveequity in our home.Almost every estate plan hasto dispose of real property,and often times this is the
sole asset of an estate at probate. Because of this, it isquite common as a Guardian to have real property inthe inventory of assets of your clients.
Real property is an asset of my client, nowwhat?
If you are appointed as the guardian of the propertythen you must take possession of and maintain controlover the assets of your client. This includes managementof the property from any income that it may generate,dealing with any issues associated with the property(i.e. insuring/claims, upkeep, maintenance, etc.), andhandling any profits and proceeds that may arise fromthe sale, lease, or mortgage of the property.
The first thing that you as guardian should do ismake sure to obtain sufficient certified Letters ofGuardianship as these will need to be provided tovarious parties. You will need to secure the property.Obtain copies of the keys to the property, change thelocks if the property is vacant or if your client does notremember who all has access to the property.
Next you will need to thoroughly investigate theproperty. Locate any documents that your client mayhave regarding the property. Is the property insured?Does it have a mortgage? Is the property subject toany associations, covenants or restrictions? Have the
property taxes been paid and are they current? Arethere any liens or judgments against the property thatcould be foreclosed upon? If your client does not haveany documents consider having a title search completedon the property so that you can have a record of whatencumbrances may affect the asset.
Once you’ve fully researched the property you willneed to notify all parties of your appointment. Thisincludes sending our notice to the mortgagee,insurance company, any joint owners of the property,interested relatives or associations that are tied tothe property. You should request that all futurecorrespondence be sent to you so that you can properlymanage the asset moving forward.
Finally, once you have completed these steps youshould assess whether retaining the property is in thebest interest of your client. Is your client living at theproperty? Is the cost of maintaining the asset worthany profit or income that it may be making? Can yourclient continue to live on their own at the property? Ifafter careful review it is determined that the assetshould be sold, please consult an attorney, as youwill need to obtain court approval to sell the prop-erty and they may assist in preparing the necessarydocuments.
As always Gilbert Garcia Group, P.A. appreciateseverything you do and is here to assist with anyquestions you may have with regards to real propertyor your guardianship needs.
Gilbert Garcia Group, P.A., a Certified Women,Minority Owned Business. specializes in guardianshipand guardian advocacy law.
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Jaclyn Palazzolo, Esq.
Clerk of the Circuit CourtOffice of Ken Burke
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller For Pinellas County, Florida
FROM THE CLERK
Happy New Year! Thanks for a wonderful year in 2015! The clerk’s office hopes you havehad a happy and healthy Holiday Season and that 2016 will be joyful and prosperous. We arecommitted to continuing to provide the exceptional customer service that you have grownaccustom to over the years and to working together with you to meet the needs of your clients
A few updates and reminders
• Professional Guardian File Maintenance Fees - Keep in mind a New Year means it isTHAT time again…professional guardian file maintenance fees are due per FS 744.3135(1). InPinellas, the clerk collects this fee annually in January, regardless of when it was paid the prioryear. These fees are still a bargain at just $7.50!
• Annual Plan Due Date - Although it is no longer new, we would also like to remind youthat Annual Plans with a Physician’s Report are now due 60 to 90 days prior to the anniversarydate of the Letters being issued. This is pursuant to a new law (FS 744.3675) that went intoeffect July 1, 2015. We are still meeting folks who do not realize that the plan and the accountingare no longer due at the same time, so be sure to spread the word!!
• Audit Alert emails - If you have not already done so, you may want to sign up for our AuditAlert emails by sending an email to [email protected] which includes your nameand asking to be included in this program. The alerts will come from: [email protected]. and you will want to add thisemail address to you contacts so audit alerts do not end up in your spam folder. Emails willonly be generated when ONE of the following items: missing fees, missing certificate of serviceor a disaster plan needs to be updated is going to result in an Order Disapproving an annualguardianship report that would otherwise be approved. If multiple items are missing, or thereare other discrepancies needing to be reported, the auditor will recommend Disapproving to thecourt.
If there is a topic you would like discussed in any of our upcoming monthly newsletterarticles please email your suggestions to: [email protected].
Additionally, we offer tours of the Clerk’s Probate Department. Tours usually last between oneand two hours, depending on what you and the other guests attending the tour would like tosee. They are a good opportunity to meet staff assisting with your cases and to understand howwe process the work submitted to our office.
HOW TO CONTACT US: If we can be of assistance, please call:
Probate Court Records ................................ 464-3321 (main line)
Jerome D. Jordan, Probate Manager………..464-3003
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IDENTIFICATION BADGE ORDER FORM
Gold identification badges are available to members for $15
Badges will be mailed to your address. For information,
contact LynnMarie Boltze at (813) 625-8734.
Name on badge (Title will read Professional Guardian)
Shipping address
City, State, Zip
Email or phone
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The following is an article published in The Guardian Viewpoint, a publi-cation of the Statewide Public Guardianship Office (SPGO).
A case was filed by the hospital where they had a homelessdisabled veteran (Mr. F) who was unable to make informed decisionsand lacked capacity. His only source of income was his GovernmentVA pension and Social Security. A person who identified herself asthe granddaughter made an appearance in the court case and wasultimately appointed as the guardian by the court. Approximatelyone year later, no Annual Plan was filed when due, and the courtbeing concerned about the ward’s well-being contacted our officeto conduct an investigation to determine if the previous guardianshould be removed and a public guardian appointed.
We began a record search and discovered that the family guardian had been arrested andcharged with several felonies. The whereabouts of the ward were unknown. Upon confirmingthis information, we petittioned the court to appoint a public guardian as the successorguardian and immediately began to investigate the whereabouts of the ward. We maderepeated attempts to the defense attorney representing the previous guardian to see if shewould assist, but she would not and refused all contact. We spoke to other family members ofthe previous guardian to no avail. We then made contact with our local VA office, and theyran a search on Mr. F. We also advised the VA and Social Security to stop payments as it wasclear that Mr. F was not receiving his income. Through our local VA office, it was found thatMr. F had sought medical attention in a VA walk-in clinic in St. Petersburg approximately onemonth prior to our investigation. Contact was made with the walk-in clinic and ultimately wewere able to obtain a VA social worker to assist us in locating Mr. F.
This journey took approximately four months, but the end result was a meeting with the wardand the social worker at the VA hospital. We have assisted Mr. F in getting his incomereinstated, as well as obtaining government assisted housing and authorized medicalprocedures. There is also now an investigation beingconducted on the previous guardian for the theft of theVA and Social Security payments that were paid whileshe was the guardian. Finally, Mr. F’s capacity hasimproved with the current care level, and it is anticipatedthat the Public Guardian will be filing a petitionfor restoration of his rights as he is now livingindependently and has social services through the VA.
GUARDIAN SPOTLIGHTCharlotte and Collier County Public Guardians
Tom JonesExecutive Director,
SPGO
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16Karen Karle Truman Reports...
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GuardianAssociationof Pinellas County, Inc.
Membership Request
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Membership Year: January 1 through December 31
Membership Application: New Renewal Date:
By joining the GAPC you are affirming that you have read the GAPC bylaws and the adopted Code of Ethics from the National Guardian Association.The GAPC Bylaws and NGA Code of Ethics are available on the Association website: www.GuardianAssociation.org
Guardian $45.00 (must be a Guardian or taken the State Guardian Competency Exam) SPGO# Affiliate $60.00 (Non-guardian, Individual)Corporate $75.00 (company is owner of the membership, includes two members, transferable between employees)
Category for listing on GAPC website (Please check appropriate boxes and print legibly)
Professional Guardian Family Guardian Assisted Living Facility Nursing / Rehab Facility Health Care Agency Attorney Paralegal / Legal Assistant Power of Attorney (POA)Care Manager Finance / Banking Government / Court PersonnelOther
Name
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Email Address Website Address
Please make check payable to Guardian Association. Mail to GAPC, P.O. Box 1826, Pinellas Park, FL 33780To apply or renew membership online, please visit our website at www.GuardianAssociation.org
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