In the Matter of Hier

This is an appeal by a guardian ad litem from a judgment ordering the appointment of a temporary guardian for the ward with authority to consent to the administration of antipsychotic drugs but without authority to consent to surgical procedures necessary to provide her with adequate nutritional support. All parties agree that the judgment was correct insofar as it appointed a guardian and authorized drug therapy. The issue on appeal is the correctness of the order relative to surgery.

The ward, Mrs. Mary Hier, ninety-two years old, has for many years suffered from severe mental illness. She…