HI HB227

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

Establishes escalating fines for knowingly referring or transferring patients to unlicensed care facilities: $500 for the first violation, $1,000 for the second violation, and $2,000 for the third and each subsequent violation.

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

Requires the department of health to prioritize complaint investigations of state-licensed or state-certified care facilities based on severity of allegations, with highest priority given to allegations of actual or potential harm.

Takes effect July 1, 2060.