§ 28-68-120 — Liability for refusal to accept acknowledged statutory form power of attorney

(a) In this section, "statutory form power of attorney" means a power of attorney substantially in the form provided in § 28-68-301 or that meets the requirements for a military power of attorney pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Section 1044b , as it existed on January 1, 2011. (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c): (1) a person shall either accept an acknowledged statutory form power of attorney or request a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under § 28-68-119(d) no later than seven business days after presentation of the power of attorney for acceptance; (2) if a person requests a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under § 28-68-119(d) , the person shall accept the statutory form power of attorney no later than five business days after receipt of the certification, translation, or opinion of counsel; and (3) a person may not require an additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the statutory form power of attorney presented. (c) A person is not required to accept an acknowledged statutory form power of attorney if: (1) the person is not otherwise required to engage in a transaction with the principal in the same circumstances; (2) engaging in a transaction with the agent or the principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with federal law; (3) the person has actual knowledge of the termination of the agent's authority or of the power of attorney before exercise of the power; (4) a request for a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under § 28-68-119(d) is refused; (5) the person in good faith believes that the power is not valid or that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or not a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under § 28-68-119(d) has been requested or provided; or (6) the person makes, or has actual knowledge that another person has made, a report to the Department of Human Services stating a good faith belief that the principal may be subject to physical or financial abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment by the agent or a person acting for or with the agent. (d) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged statutory form power of attorney is subject to: (1) a court order mandating acceptance of the power of attorney; and (2) liability for reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms the validity of the power of attorney or mandates acceptance of the power of attorney.

Legislative History

Acts 2011, No. 805, § 1.