ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orange County judge has revoked "do not resuscitate" orders in 98 cases after a guardian was found to have "abused her powers" by filing them on behalf of clients without permission from their families.
Circuit Judge Janet C. Thorpe, who filed a notice for removal last week against guardian Rebecca Fierle, signed the revocation order Friday.
Florida law allows a guardian to be appointed by a judge for minors and adults with mental or physical disabilities. The guardian makes all determinations for that person, including financial and medical decisions.
Records show a guardianship court monitor was appointed this month to investigate claims of abuse. A hearing was held on Fierle's removal last week, but news outlets were barred from the courtroom.
Fierle's attorneys are seeking to have the judge removed from the case.