Senate Bill No. 1522 seeks to amend the regulation of continuing care facilities in Texas by updating definitions and requirements within the Health and Safety Code. The bill introduces a revised definition of "assisted living facility" and establishes new terminology, such as "Board" to refer to the Texas Department of Insurance. It clarifies that a "living unit" does not encompass areas in nursing or assisted living facilities and emphasizes the necessity for agreements that guarantee access to progressive health care services. Additionally, the bill enhances residents' rights, including the right to assemble and access disclosure statements, and sets criteria for the approval of applications for certificates of authority, allowing for rejection if the applicant does not own the property.

Moreover, the bill modifies the management and release of entrance fees for continuing care facilities, allowing escrow agents to release fees after the initial release without further proof of compliance, contingent on the provider submitting monthly marketing reports. It specifies conditions for the release of escrowed entrance fees, such as the completion of construction and the issuance of occupancy permits, while also clarifying timelines for refunds and circumstances necessitating fee returns. The legislation addresses the escrow of certain fees, stating that fees of $1,000 or less do not require escrow if marked as nonrefundable, and includes adjustments to actuarial review requirements for facilities. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

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)