Bill > S07279

This bill amends the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act to expand the professional qualifications for certifying individuals as intellectually or developmentally disabled by allowing certified school psychologists to participate in the certification process, alongside licensed physicians and licensed psychologists. Specifically, the bill modifies existing language to permit certification by either one licensed physician and one certified school psychologist, or two licensed physicians, with at least one professional having expertise in caring for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The bill updates terminology to use more inclusive language (e.g., replacing "himself or herself" with "themself") and makes technical corrections to how guardianship and certification are defined. The changes aim to broaden the pool of qualified professionals who can assess and certify an individual's cognitive abilities and need for guardianship, while maintaining the critical standards for determining an individual's capacity to manage their personal and financial affairs. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, potentially providing more flexibility in the guardianship certification process.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7279