DEATH OF A PATIENT/RESIDENT

Upon the death of a patient/resident for whom the Guardian Officer serves as guardian or payee, the Guardian Officer shall:

1. (1) Comply with all applicable reimbursements of the Probates, Estates, and Fiduciary Code regarding termination of the guardianship.
2. (2) Expend any death benefits in accordance with the rules and regulations of the benefit-issuing agency.
3. (3) Return conserved funds to the benefit=issuing agency, if required by the statutes and regulations governing such funds.
4. (4) Release all conserved funds (with the exception of those covered in paragraph (3)), together with all outstanding bills, to the executor or administrator of the patient’s/resident’s estate, if any. Funds may be released upon presentation of letters of administration, a short certificate, or other appropriate and reliable evidence indicating that one person is the legally authorized representative.
5. (5) If, within 90 days of the date of death, documentation is not received that a legally authorized representative of the estate has been appointed, escheat proceedings shall be initiated.