November 24, 2025

Role of the Health Professional’s Report in Arizona Guardianship and Conservatorship Proceedings

Introduction
If you are considering a guardianship or conservatorship for a loved one, and scratched the surface on your online research, odds are you have seen this document: the Health Professional’s Report.

Before the court can appoint a guardian or conservator, it must understand the person’s medical or mental-health condition. Knowing what the Health Professional’s Report is, when it is required, and how it fits into the legal process will help you feel more prepared and confident as you move forward.

Filing a petition for guardianship or conservatorship in Arizona can feel overwhelming, especially if you are doing it for the first time.

What is the Health Professional’s Report?

The central focus of a guardianship or conservatorship matter often involves someone who is struggling to make safe or informed decisions about their personal care, finances, or daily living needs.

The Health Professional’s Report is a document completed by a qualified medical or mental-health professional—such as a physician, psychologist, or nurse practitioner—following an evaluation of the adult who is the subject of a guardianship or conservatorship petition. Among other things, the Health Professional’s Report explains the adult’s diagnoses, their ability to make decisions, whether assistance is needed, and any recommendations for care.

Because the report contains private medical information, it must be filed as a confidential document (not to be confused with filed “under seal”) as outlined in the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure.

When is the Report Required?

Guardianship Proceedings

When someone files a petition to appoint a guardian, Arizona law requires clear and convincing evidence that the person is incapacitated and unable to make responsible medical or mental health care decisions. In practice, the Health Professional’s Report is required because it provides the underlying evidence needed for the judge to consider the petition. Courts rely heavily on this report to determine whether a guardian is necessary and appropriate.

Conservatorship Proceedings (Optional but Common)

For petitions involving conservatorships—where the court appoints someone to manage finances and property—the law is more flexible. Here, the court may request a Health Professional’s Report, but it is not automatically required in every case. Judges may request such a report when there is an objection about a person’s ability to manage their financial affairs as a result of a medical condition, cognitive impairment, or mental-health issue.

If the court orders an evaluation, or if an examiner was appointed during the process, the Health Professional’s Report must be completed and made available before an order is entered. That being said, it is appropriate to include the Health Professional’s Report as part of the initial filing even though it is not required for appointment of a conservator.

Why is This Report Important?

The report provides a professional assessment of the person’s physical and mental capabilities, including whether they can make decisions, manage money, live independently, or handle daily care. Because guardianship and conservatorship matters involve the court entering orders restricting someone’s fundamental liberty rights, the court must be certain that intervention is necessary (hence, the elevated “clear and convincing” standard). The Health Professional’s Report helps ensure that the court appoints a guardian or conservator only when appropriate, and only to the extent needed.

In cases where the guardian seeks authority to consent to inpatient (as opposed to outpatient) mental health treatment, the Health Professional’s Report includes a separate evaluation from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist for such authority.

Practical Takeaways:

• The Health Professional’s Report must be completed before the Court appoints a guardian, often at the same time the initial petition is filed or shortly thereafter.
• A Health Professional’s Report is not required if the petition only seeks appointment of a conservator; however, it is a better practice to include the report for the court’s consideration.
• The evaluator includes details about the person’s condition, limitations, and needs.

Summary

If you are filing for guardianship in Arizona, expect to provide a Health Professional’s Report as part of the required evidence. For conservatorships or other protective orders, the judge may request one, depending on the circumstances; however, it is a good practice to include such a report even though it is not required for the appointment of a conservator. Understanding the purpose and requirements of this report can make the process smoother and ensure you provide the court with the information it needs to protect your loved one appropriately.