Long-term care referral fees; referral agency referrals; disclosure requirements; restrictions; duties; compensation for referral agency; effective date.
What changed between versions
Disclosure statement requirements were modified to require written disclosures in paper format that consumers can easily print, with specific formatting requirements of 14-point font and clear language.
New requirement added that referral agents must provide a privacy policy to consumers as part of the disclosure statement.
Consumer cancellation rights were strengthened to allow consumers to stop using referral services at any time without cause or penalty, with clearer notification procedures.
New requirement added that referral agencies must use nationally accredited service providers to obtain criminal history records for employees who have direct contact with consumers.
Referral agency contract renewal requirements were modified to require a new agreement with the consumer after 12 months of documented counseling.
Fee collection restrictions were modified to clarify when referral fees can be charged, particularly regarding facility transfers and placement fees after counseling periods.
