LAKELAND, Fla. -- Our I-Team's relentless reporting on Florida's troubled guardianship program could lead to lasting change.
Florida lawmakers are now hoping to reform the system.
I-Team Investigator Adam Walser has spent more than six years covering problems within the system.
I-TEAM INVESTIGATES
- New audit shows AdventHealth paid embattled guardian Rebecca Fierle nearly $4 million
- State report on guardian: 'Removal of necessary care directly resulted in ward's death'
- Embattled professional guardian accused of causing death resigns from 40 cases
- Florida guardians routinely issue “Do Not Resuscitate” orders without court oversight
After the I-Team reported a man who died in guardianship, lawmakers, judges and even Florida Governor Ron Desantis have called for sweeping reforms to better protect Florida's seniors.
Now, one Lakeland state representative is drafting a new law.
“When I first heard about this I was like, 'What do we need to do? And we need to do it now,'” said state Rep. Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland.
Burton said her proposed bill would protect vulnerable seniors in Florida's broken guardianship system
The new legislative push comes after the death of Steven Stryker, who investigators said died as a result of the actions of his court-appointed guardian Rebecca Fierle.
Fierle is now under criminal investigation by multiple agencies.
Stryker choked to death after Fierle ordered his feeding tube removed and issued a do-not-resuscitate order without permission.
The I-Team later uncovered Florida guardians widely using DNR orders on people under their care without court approval.
That’s something Burton said she hopes a new law would stop.
“If they don't have that expressed authority, they have to go to court. A judge will have to say that they can do that,” said Burton.
Burton said her bill has strong support from members of both parties and expects to file her legislation by the end of the month.
If you have a story you’d like the I-Team to investigate, email adam@abcactionnews.com
