Bill > HB2667

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for referral agencies that help seniors find living communities, defining key terms and setting clear guidelines for their operations. The bill defines a referral agency as an entity that helps consumers find senior living communities for a fee, and specifies what constitutes a senior living community, including facilities like assisted living, retirement homes, and memory care facilities. Referral agencies are required to provide consumers with a detailed disclosure statement explaining their services, who pays the referral fee, and the consumer's right to stop using the agency at any time. The bill mandates that referral agencies consider consumer preferences when making referrals and prohibits using cost as the sole selection criterion. The legislation also establishes several prohibited practices for referral agencies, such as referring consumers to communities in which they have a financial interest, holding a consumer's power of attorney, or referring to unlicensed facilities. Additionally, referral agencies must conduct background checks on employees, maintain liability insurance, audit senior living communities, provide employee training, and establish clear contractual terms with senior living communities regarding referral fees and payment periods. The bill aims to protect consumers by ensuring transparency, preventing conflicts of interest, and establishing professional standards for referral agencies working with senior living communities.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2667