LPS Conservatorship

What is the process?

Physician contacts the Office of the Public Guardian.

If you are a treating physician in a licensed licensed psychiatric facility and believe that one of your patients at the facility meets the criteria for LPS conservatorship, please call the Office of the Public Guardian at 805-781-5845. You may talk to our investigator about whether a particular situation would be appropriate for the Public Guardian to investigate prior to submitting a formal referral.

Submit a formal referral.

A treating physician in a licensed psychiatric facility may submit a referral for LPS conservatorship by faxing a completed form to 805-781-5566. The form must be filled out completely. Incomplete referrals will be returned. 

Investigator will follow up.

Once a referral is received by the Office of the Public Guardian, the Conservatorship Investigator will investigate all available alternatives to conservatorship and shall recommend the establishment of the conservatorship only if no suitable alternatives are available. This is in accordance with California Welfare and Institution Code Section 5354-5356.

Public Guardian will serve as conservator if needed.

The Office of the Public Guardian will provide individualized treatment, supervision, and placement services through this conservatorship program for persons found to be gravely disabled.

Who can use this service?

This service can be used by individuals who have been referred by the treating physician(s) who are in charge of their care in a licensed psychiatric facility. 

Is there a charge for this service?

The charge for this service is based on the approved monthly rate by the Social Security Administration, which is currently $44 per month.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.