Scott S. v. Superior Court

Opinion

IKOLA, J.

—Petitioner Scott S. petitions for writ review of an order authorizing Lucille Lyon, public guardian for Orange County, to consent to amputating petitioner’s infected toe. He contends the court erred by relying on a physician’s written declaration to find the amputation was medically necessary.

We agree. The Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS; Welf. & Inst. Code, § 5000 et seq.)1 authorizes conservatorships for gravely disabled persons like petitioner. The conservatee generally retains the right to give or withhold consent to medical treatment. The conservator must seek…