H.B. 227 Summary

• Expands the prohibition on referring or transferring patients to uncertified or unlicensed care facilities from only "certified or licensed healthcare providers or care facilities" to "any person, corporation, or any other entity in the health care or human services community."

• Increases penalties for knowingly referring or transferring patients to unlicensed care facilities from $500 (first violation), $1,000 (second violation), and $2,000 (third and subsequent violations).

• Repeals Section 321-488, which previously exempted landlords from being deemed to operate a care facility requiring a license when tenants receive care services from licensed providers.

• Requires the Department of Health to prioritize complaint investigations based on severity of allegations, with highest priority given to allegations of actual or potential harm.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2060.