72-5-415. Public administrator as conservator when no other appropriate person. (1) Whenever a professional person, as defined in 53-21-102, has reason to believe that any person is in need of the appointment of a conservator for the effective management of the person's property or affairs under this part and that the person has no relative, friend, or other appropriate person who is able and willing to serve as a conservator for the person, the professional person shall notify the public administrator.

(2) Whenever the public administrator is notified under subsection (1) of the need for the appointment of a conservator and reasonable cause exists, the public administrator shall file a petition for appointment of the public administrator as conservator of the person.