SB2971 Summary

• Requires assisted living establishments and nursing home facilities to establish written policies and procedures governing acceptance of personal gifts from residents or their family members.

• Prohibits staff from accepting monetary gifts (including cash, cash equivalents, gift cards, or merchandise) from residents or family members, with mandatory provisions in all employment contracts.

• Permits facilities to require employees who accept prohibited monetary gifts to enter into repayment agreements, allowing wage withholding of up to 15% per paycheck or higher amounts from final compensation until the gift value is repaid to the resident.

• Mandates that recovered funds from wage withholding be forwarded to the resident or resident's estate as soon as feasible.

• Applies restrictions to both the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act and the Nursing Home Care Act.