The Office of Public Guardian has issued their 2020 annual report outlining information about the individuals served and programs hosted through the Nebraska Judicial Branch. 

In addition to the specific data regarding the number of wards, types of guardianship/conservatorship cases, the capacity of the Office to serve, and the status of waiting lists, readers will find stories and observations by Associate Public Guardians and wards throughout the state. Through the observations, the report strives to give voice to the life and death experiences of some of Nebraska’s most vulnerable people.

As with the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the greatest challenge for the guardians during the past year. The core responsibility of Associate Public Guardians is to make medical decisions for their wards. To fulfill this responsibility, a guardian must be informed of each ward’s health conditions, medical history, current health status, and be prepared to provide informed consent for treatment to advocate for appropriate care. Under the best of circumstances, this is a monumental duty for any individual to provide for another. During a pandemic from a new, deadly disease, for incapacitated individuals who are disabled and elderly and at the highest risk of death, with systems that are not prepared, not responsive, lacking critical services, staffing, and resources, medical decision-making becomes a living nightmare.

Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, it is evident that the oversight and commitment to care of these individuals has had positive results. As a direct result of Associate Public Guardian oversight and advocacy, wards have received testing, the appropriate level of care and monitoring, have qualified for experimental treatment, and have been hospitalized when needed. Lives have been saved.

The full report is found on the Judicial Branch Website: Office of Public Guardian 2020 Annual Report. 

News Reporters:

Nebraska Revised Statute §30-4111 requires the Nebraska Office of Public Guardian to report to the Chief Justice and the Legislature on or before January 1st of each year. This is the sixth report by the OPG providing updated, annual information covering November 1, 2019 through October 31, 2020.