Bill > HB390

This bill creates new regulations for referral agencies that help connect prospective residents with independent living or long-term care facilities. The bill defines key terms, including "referral agency" as an individual or entity that provides facility referrals for a fee, and establishes specific disclosure requirements for these agencies. When referring a prospective resident, referral agencies must now provide written documentation about their relationships with facilities, disclose any fees they receive, and create a detailed agreement with the prospective resident or their representative. This agreement must outline the services provided, give the prospective resident the right to terminate services at any time without penalty, and include privacy protections. The bill requires both the referral agency and the prospective resident to sign the agreement, and facilities are prohibited from paying referral fees until the resident is admitted and from selling the resident's contact information to third parties. Referral agencies that violate these provisions can be subject to civil penalties of up to $500 per violation, and the attorney general or circuit attorney can bring civil actions to enforce these requirements. The goal appears to be increasing transparency and protecting prospective residents during the facility referral process.