S.B. No. 1522 amends the Health and Safety Code to enhance the regulation of continuing care facilities in Texas. The bill redefines "assisted living facility" and establishes the Texas Department of Insurance as the governing body overseeing these facilities. It clarifies the definition of "entrance fee" to include amounts for residency and related services while excluding optional modifications to living units. New definitions for "nursing facility" and "continuing care" are introduced, emphasizing the provision of living units and access to health care services under a continuing care contract. The bill also ensures that residents in facilities providing nursing home or assisted living care retain all statutory rights applicable to those settings.

Additionally, the bill outlines residents' rights, including the right to assemble and access disclosure statements, and sets conditions for exemptions from certain requirements. It introduces stricter advertising guidelines and mandates that facility providers own the property on which they operate. Key amendments also address the management and release of entrance fees, allowing escrow agents to release fees without further proof of compliance after the initial release, provided monthly marketing reports are submitted. The bill stipulates that entrance fees must be returned if not released within 36 months and requires facilities to file actuarial reviews every five years. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply only to providers issued a certificate of authority after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 246.002, Health and Safety Code 246.0025, Health and Safety Code 246.004, Health and Safety Code 246.022, Health and Safety Code 246.055, Health and Safety Code 246.056, Health and Safety Code 246.057, Health and Safety Code 246.071, Health and Safety Code 246.072, Health and Safety Code 246.073, Health and Safety Code 246.0736, Health and Safety Code 246.074, Health and Safety Code 246.075, Health and Safety Code 246.077, Health and Safety Code 246.114 (Health and Safety Code 246)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 246.002, Health and Safety Code 246.0025, Health and Safety Code 246.004, Health and Safety Code 246.022, Health and Safety Code 246.055, Health and Safety Code 246.056, Health and Safety Code 246.057, Health and Safety Code 246.071, Health and Safety Code 246.072, Health and Safety Code 246.073, Health and Safety Code 246.0736, Health and Safety Code 246.074, Health and Safety Code 246.075, Health and Safety Code 246.077, Health and Safety Code 246.114 (Health and Safety Code 246)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 246.002, Health and Safety Code 246.0025, Health and Safety Code 246.004, Health and Safety Code 246.022, Health and Safety Code 246.055, Health and Safety Code 246.056, Health and Safety Code 246.057, Health and Safety Code 246.071, Health and Safety Code 246.072, Health and Safety Code 246.073, Health and Safety Code 246.0736, Health and Safety Code 246.074, Health and Safety Code 246.075, Health and Safety Code 246.077, Health and Safety Code 246.114 (Health and Safety Code 246)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 246.002, Health and Safety Code 246.0025, Health and Safety Code 246.004, Health and Safety Code 246.022, Health and Safety Code 246.055, Health and Safety Code 246.056, Health and Safety Code 246.057, Health and Safety Code 246.071, Health and Safety Code 246.072, Health and Safety Code 246.073, Health and Safety Code 246.0736, Health and Safety Code 246.074, Health and Safety Code 246.075, Health and Safety Code 246.077, Health and Safety Code 246.114 (Health and Safety Code 246)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 246.002, Health and Safety Code 246.0025, Health and Safety Code 246.004, Health and Safety Code 246.022, Health and Safety Code 246.055, Health and Safety Code 246.056, Health and Safety Code 246.057, Health and Safety Code 246.071, Health and Safety Code 246.072, Health and Safety Code 246.073, Health and Safety Code 246.0736, Health and Safety Code 246.074, Health and Safety Code 246.075, Health and Safety Code 246.077, Health and Safety Code 246.114 (Health and Safety Code 246)