Guardianship of Linda

The Department of Mental Health (department) filed a petition in the Probate Court under G. L. c. 201, § 6 (1986 ed.), seeking a guardianship of “Linda” (the ward), with authority in the guardian to permit the administration of antipsychotic drugs. At the time this action was commenced, the ward voluntarily was accepting such drugs. The Probate Court judge ruled that, by reason of mental illness, the ward was unable to make an informed judgment as to treatment. He appointed a guardian, with authority to permit the administration of antipsychotic drugs for only so long as the ward voluntarily…