Maryland Senate Bill SB624

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/22
• Refer: 2/3/22

Caption

Assisted Living Programs - Assisted Living Referrers - Requirements and Prohibitions

Impact

The enactment of SB624 is anticipated to positively impact state laws concerning assisted living by standardizing requirements for referrers. This regulation aims to ensure that clients are referred to properly licensed programs, thereby improving the safety and quality of care for residents. By increasing the obligations on referrers, the bill seeks to promote ethical practices in the referral process and mitigate the risks associated with conflicts of interest.

Summary

Senate Bill 624 establishes new requirements and prohibitions for assisted living referrers in Maryland. The bill aims to enhance the accountability and transparency in the referral process of assisted living programs. It requires referrers to maintain general liability insurance, perform criminal history checks on employees, and provide certain documents to clients. These measures are intended to protect vulnerable populations receiving referral services for assisted living environments.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill may face contention from various stakeholders within the assisted living community. Some may argue that the additional regulatory requirements could impose burdens on smaller referral agencies, potentially limiting their ability to operate. Concerns also exist regarding the balance between ensuring consumer protection and the operational flexibility of referrers, with advocates calling for a more nuanced approach that considers the needs of both clients and referral agencies.