Elder Laws in Mississippi.

Mississippi adopted the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act. Guardianships address personal decisions; conservatorships address financial management. Both require judicial finding of incapacity by clear and convincing evidence.

Allows execution of advance directives including living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care. Authorizes healthcare agents to make decisions when the patient lacks capacity.

A power of attorney is durable when it contains language indicating it survives the principal's incapacity.

Protects vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Mandated reporting for specified professionals. Adult Protective Services may investigate and petition for protective intervention.

Criminalizes financial exploitation of vulnerable adults with enhanced penalties based on amount taken. Felony where $250 or more is taken by a caregiver or person in position of trust.