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Judge Waives Annual Physician Statement in Conservatorship, Orders Notice If Condition Changes
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Summary
Court found the respondent's schizophrenia to be an irreversible, medicated condition and waived the yearly physician's report; the conservator must notify the court in writing if the respondent's condition substantially improves or deteriorates.
A Dickson County judge waived the statutory requirement for an annual physician’s statement in a conservatorship after hearing from the conservator and counsel that the respondent, Amber Williams, had a long‑term schizophrenia diagnosis controlled with medication.
Counsel for the conservator told the court the gravamen of the motion was to end the burden of yearly physician statements because the condition is chronic and not expected to change. The conservator, who said she visits the respondent and coordinates care with Centerstone, described ongoing monitoring and medication management.
Anita Coffinberry, participating by video, told the court the waiver would be acceptable so long as the conservator files a notice with the court if the respondent’s condition changes. The judge agreed with the position that the condition appears irreversible and stated, ‘‘the annual report of a physician is hereby waived.’’ The court also discharged the attorneys in the case and directed that future notices go to the conservator unless circumstances change.
The judge said the waiver would stand ‘‘unless anything changes’’ and ordered that the conservator notify the court in writing of any substantial improvement or deterioration so the court can determine whether further hearing is necessary. Counsel was directed to prepare the formal order.
The ruling removes the annual paperwork requirement but leaves a reporting duty if the respondent’s condition changes, and it relieves participating counsel from future obligations in the matter unless an order indicates otherwise.
