THE IDEAL APPROACH 3 4 STEPS Identify Evaluate Assess Limit IDEAL is shorthand for a four-step approach that professionals in health care settings can take to address the needs of patients who may be experiencing diminished capacity in a patient-centered way. It is a framework for identifying alternatives to guardianship, which can offer faster, less complicated, less expensive, and less restrictive means to address a patient’s unique personal or financial needs or challenges. Even in situations where guardianship may be unavoidable, The IDEAL Tool can help streamline the process and guard against an overly broad guardianship. This approach is also consistent with Maryland law, which treats guardianship as a last resort because it involves the removal of a person’s fundamental rights and liberties.
IDentify IDentify the patient’s specific needs or areas of concern Evaluate Evaluate the patient’s capabilities and resources Assess Assess alternatives to guardianship Limit Limit any guardianship to what is necessary to meet the patient’s unmet needs
˙ Adapted from the ABA “PRACTICAL Tool for Lawyers: Steps in Supporting Decision-Making,” 2016.
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