CA AB499

Defines "referral source" as county departments, state-funded programs, agencies, and persons engaged in identifying senior housing options at residential care facilities for the elderly, and establishes duties and prohibitions for these entities.

Prohibits referral sources from referring individuals to unlicensed facilities, referring individuals whose health conditions exceed facility capacity, or referring to facilities in which they have ownership or management interests without written waivers from the person or their representative.

Requires compensated referral sources to provide written, electronic, or verbal disclosures before referrals that include service descriptions, contact information, privacy policies, payment terms, and instructions for requesting cessation of contact.

Imposes minimum liability insurance requirements of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate for compensated referral sources, along with background checks, written contracts with facilities, and restrictions on holding powers of attorney.

Establishes civil penalties of $250 to $1,000 per violation of disclosure requirements and misdemeanor penalties for violations of referral and reporting duties.