Bill > HB2463

This bill establishes new regulations for "referral agencies," which are individuals or entities that connect people with independent living facilities (communal living structures for those 55 and older offering services like dining and transportation, but not state-licensed) or long-term care facilities (state-licensed facilities) for a fee. The bill mandates that referral agencies must provide prospective residents or their legal representatives with written documentation of any agreements, along with a detailed disclosure of their relationship with the facility, including any financial ties, common ownership, or familial connections. Furthermore, referral agencies must inform individuals of their right to terminate services without penalty, to opt out of future contact, to receive the agency's privacy policy, and that their information might be shared with other companies. Both the referral agency and the prospective resident must sign this disclosure, and a copy must be given to the facility. The bill also prohibits referral agencies from charging facilities penalties if a prospective resident terminates their agreement and clarifies that facilities must pay referral agencies for services rendered, regardless of the resident's decision, but facilities cannot sell resident contact information without consent. Violations of these provisions can result in civil penalties of up to $500 per violation, and the attorney general or a circuit attorney can bring legal action to enforce these rules.